Engraved in Flesh

Family

THUMP

"Look Soo Ah, Eomma's sleeping!"

"Why is she sleeping on the floor? Eomma's very silly......"

Mook and William both became hectic as Ji-a rubbed her temples. Rose was choking on her tea, trying her best to not laugh out loud at the children's comments. Hyun groaned and mumbled something along the lines of "I'll take her up," before picking up his little sister and taking her to the guest room. Everyone stood in silence, with the exception of Rose recovering, until William broke the silence.

"Why did she faint?"

Ji-a quickly snapped her head to face his direction, a glare set in stone on her face.

"What do you mean why?! She just heard that her father nearly shot her soulmate to death- why are you smiling like that?! Do you think this is funny?!"

William sheepishly smiled at the love of his life as she sniffed angrily at him. He let out a laugh, seeming to make her angrier.

"Oh, how I missed you so much."

"Flattery will get you nowhere, William."

Mook watched with amusement as Mr. and Mrs. Kim playfully teased each other for the first time in years. He looked away, however, when he felt that someone else was in the room. Peering over at the doorway leading to the kitchen, he saw two small children hiding behind the wall. They watched with amusement as Mrs. Kim let out a hearty laugh before embracing her husband. Suddenly, the two children made eye contact with Mook. The three stood in a stunned silence as they each tried to figure out who the other was. The boy finally took the girl's hand and timidly walked up to Mook, concealing the girl behind him.

When the two were close enough, Mook took note that they were the same kids from earlier. He saw that they had said something when he first arrived, but he couldn't hear anything when Aru held his face in her hands. But now she wasn't there to distract him with her beauty. Now he could figure out who these kids were.

"Are you...are you a she sss...ssur."

The boy was struggling with his words, making him unintentionally adorable. The girl huffed a bit before speaking loud and clear.

"Are you a sea serpent?"

She was timid and small, reminding him of Aru. She had long, thick, white hair. Her big, brown eyes were firm and confident, despite her posture and height. She also had serpent horns, just like him. Her presence surprised Mook, considering that sea serpents were not common in the area.

"Yes, yes I am. My name is Mook Lee."

Mook's kind expression slowly morphed into confusion as both children audibly gasped, their eyes wide open. The girl took a step back, hiding herself behind the brown haired boy, who looked like he was about to explode any second now. Before Mook could ask them what was wrong, the little boy screamed out.

"OH ME GOOSHNESS, YOU ARE PAPA."

Mook stood there, stunned, as the boy was rambling nonsense to no one in particular. Before he could find the proper words to use, Mrs. Kim spoke up.

"Joon, my love, it's 'oh my goodness.' We need to practice your pronunciation if you want to attend school, okay?"

The little boy, Joon, nodded with shining eyes. He gave Mrs. Kim a big smile before happily replying.

"Yes ma'am!"

Mook turned to Mrs. Kim and gave her a questioningly look. She pressed her lips into a thin line before sighing. Putting on a smile, she picked up a small bag of candy and handed it to Joon. Patting both kids on the head, she happily spoke to them.