Veiled Echoes

C H A P T E R 11

HANA

"How was your day?" I ruffled Johan's hair as I crouched to his level.

He gave me his bag, his eyes drooping. "Good."

Taking the blue scarf from his bag, I secured it around his neck. Once adjusting his ear muffs, I stood up and reached for his pinky. "Is that why you didn't stay back for your play rehearsals?"

At the question, Johan went quiet. When I looked down at him, he was picking at his puffer jacket with a frown. "It's nothing. I'm just tired."

Sensing the change in his mood as his tone turned melancholic, I tightened my grip on his hand, offering comfort. It was already two in the afternoon, and I assumed that his sulky expression could be a result of his hunger.

"Do you want to eat out today?" I asked, taking out my phone to check some restaurants.

"Korean? I want to eat Tteokguk," he said, peering up at me with a small smile.

I nodded, putting away my phone. "Let's go visit Halmoni then."

We reached her restaurant in no time, and the moment we walked in, I was greeted by the staff offering us welcoming smiles. Luckily, the restaurant had just opened when we arrived, and we immediately went to sit at our usual booth near the window. An old lady walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, and when she saw us, a smile graced her features.

"Oh, my children! It's so good to see you again!" She opened her arms as she walked towards us and hugged me. "How have you been?"

"Better now that I can have your food again," I said sheepishly, and she let out a hearty laugh.

"And you, my baby." She scooped Johan in a tight embrace before kissing the top of his head. "How was school today?"

"Good. I missed you, Halmoni."

At his admission, her face softened, and she gently pushed his hair back. "I miss you too, Han. Tell me what you would like; it'll be on me."

Johan's face brightened instantly at the offer, but I shook my head. "Oh, no, you don't have to do that."

However, my words did not have any effect as she turned around. "Let me treat you guys today."

I sighed, knowing that she would not take a no for an answer. "Alright. But we will pay the half." When she was about to decline, I gave her my best puppy-dog eyes. "Please."

She looked down with a deep heave and nodded. "Alright, alright. What do you want?"

Beaming up at her, I quickly scanned the menu. "Can we please get Sundubu Jiggae and Tteokguk?"

"Coming right up! I'll make it extra delicious for you guys." Winking at us, she walked back inside the kitchen just as new people walked inside the restaurant.

Johan shrugged off his jacket and hung it on his chair before looking at me expectantly. "Can I learn volleyball?"

I immediately shook my head, and when he opened his lips to protest, I arched my brows. "Don't fight with me on this, Johan. You know why I'm saying this."

His small features pulled into a frown. "I just want to do what kids my age do."

"And you are doing that. Except for trying out strenuous sports that can deplete you completely."

Johan slumped his shoulders, his eyes welling up. "I don't want to be like this anymore, Noona. I want to fit in."

My gaze softened at the delicate tone of his voice. "You know how painful it was three years ago, don't you?"