Thinking about the strange events back in Japan made Jack shudder.
Whatever it was—those memories, those feelings—he decided to put them on hold for now. Right now, there was only one thing that mattered.
Getting home.
He wanted to hug his mother as soon as possible.
…
After settling into his seat on the plane, Jack leaned back and closed his eyes. He planned to fall asleep the moment the plane took off. He hated flying—not because of fear, but because of what it did to his body.
The vibrations always made him nauseous. His stomach churned, his ears throbbed painfully, and it felt like something was blocking them—like a stubborn toilet blockage that needed to be pumped again and again before finally clearing.
**Author:** If you know, you know. 😉
About an hour later, Jack jolted awake.
"—!"
The sudden movement startled the passenger beside him, who gasped and jerked away.
"Oh—sorry! I'm so sorry," Jack said quickly, bowing his head slightly in apology.
Once the stranger relaxed, Jack rested his chin on his right hand, elbow propped against the armrest. He absentmindedly stroked his *non-existent beard* as he sank into thought.
*What am I going to do?*
Because while he had been asleep…
Something had happened.
In his dream—or vision, he wasn't sure which—hundreds of blurred images had flashed through his mind. Faces, places, movements, emotions. He had tried to focus, tried to understand them, but the harder he looked, the faster they slipped away.
Like memories refusing to be remembered.
He didn't know what it meant.
But deep down, he felt certain of one thing.
*When I get home… everything will make sense.*
…
**Location: Good Luck Airport, London, UK**
Jack finally arrived.
Now, he stood patiently in the underground parking area, Section G, waiting for his sister. Two minutes earlier, he had sent her a message confirming his location.
Ten minutes passed.
Then a black jeep pulled up and parked beside him.
The door opened—and before Jack could react, someone rushed toward him.
"JACK!"
"Lisa—!"
She crashed into him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. Jack froze for half a second before hugging her back just as tightly. It had been a long time since they'd seen each other. Longer since they'd actually talked properly.
She pulled back and punched his left shoulder playfully, smiling through glassy eyes.
"So? How was Japan? Did you take pictures?" she asked, clearly holding back tears.
"I'll show you everything when we get home," he replied softly.
They talked for a bit longer before Lisa decided it was time to leave. Before getting into the car, she hugged him again—this time tighter, longer.
When they finally pulled apart, she looked up at him, smiling brightly.
"Brother," she said happily, "welcome back home."
Jack smiled back. "Thanks."
As they walked toward the car, Jack paused.
"Nice car," he said. "Yours or Dad's?"
Lisa smirked, flipping her hair. "My boyfriend's."
Jack stopped.
"…Wait. You have a *boyfriend*?"
"Yes."
He stared at her, clearly not okay with this information.
Jack had always been overly protective of Lisa. He was one of the people who confidently declared she'd start dating at *thirty*.
**P.S.: Their dad said the same thing. 😂**
Trying to process the news, Jack fired questions at her.
"Do Mom and Dad know?"
"Yes."
"They agreed?"
"Yes."
"Do they know him personally?"
"Yes."
"Has he been to our house?"
"Yes."
"Had dinner with them?"
"Yes and yes."
"…Has he been to your room?"
"Obviously, yes!!" Lisa snapped, clearly getting irritated.
Jack narrowed his eyes. "When he goes to your room… do you leave the door open or closed?"
Lisa stiffened.
"…Closed. Why?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all," he said quickly. "Just one last question. Answer fast, okay?"
"Okay?" she replied cautiously, her instincts screaming:
*Danger. Proceed with caution.*
*Danger. Proceed with caution x5.*
**Author:** Of course, she ignored every warning.
Jack asked quickly, leaving her no time to think.
"Are you still a virgin?"
"No."
Silence.
Time stopped.
Lisa's eyes widened. Her mouth slowly opened as realization hit her.
*I'm dead.*
"Yes—yes, yes, yes!" she rushed out. "Did I say no? I meant yes! You made me nervous, that's why—"
Jack nodded calmly.
She stopped.
"…You don't believe me, do you?"
He continued nodding.
"Fine," she sighed in defeat. "You win."
Jack looked like he wanted to ask more, but Lisa immediately shut him down.
"We need to go. Everyone's waiting for us," she said quickly—which, thankfully, was true.
She rushed into the car, hiding her burning red face. Jack placed his luggage in the back and got in as well, smiling to himself and deciding not to tease her further.
He wasn't happy about her having a boyfriend—but if their parents approved, he'd have to accept it. Still, he was curious.
*How good does a guy have to be to win over my sister and my parents?*
From what he'd heard, they really liked him.
**Hume**, apparently.
After a two-hour drive, they finally arrived home. Jack's excitement bubbled over as Lisa parked the car in the garage. He waited for her at the entrance so they could go in together.
She unlocked the door.
Jack stepped forward and shouted happily,
"I'm finally home, babies! Did anyone miss me?!"
Then he froze.
His smile faded.
Jack frowned at the scene in front of him.
Something was very, very wrong.
Jack froze at the doorway.
The living room was full—his parents, his brother, Jessica, and the kids scattered everywhere. The moment his mother saw him, she rushed forward.
"Jack!"
She hugged him tightly, her arms firm, real. Jack hugged her back, breathing deeply. Home smelled the same.
"I missed you," she whispered.
"I missed you too, Mom."
His father pulled him into a quick but strong embrace next. "You look better," he said simply. "That's what matters."
Lay greeted him with a loud clap on the shoulder, the kids shouting excitedly, and suddenly Jack felt grounded again—surrounded, welcomed.
Then Lisa cleared her throat.
"Okay," she said. "Before this turns into a full reunion chaos, there's someone I want you to meet."
Jack followed her gaze.
A young man stood near the couch, hands in his pockets, looking slightly nervous but smiling politely. He was tall, casually dressed, and had an easy presence—the kind of person who didn't demand attention but naturally fit in.
"This is **Hume**," Lisa said. "My boyfriend."
Hume stepped forward immediately.
"Hey," he said, offering his hand. "I'm Hume. It's really nice to finally meet you."
Jack shook his hand.
"Jack."
Hume smiled. "Lisa's talked about you a lot. Mostly about how overprotective you are."
Lisa groaned. "Why would you say that?"
Jack snorted despite himself. "I feel attacked."
The tension eased instantly.
"I hope you had a safe trip," Hume continued. "You look exhausted."
"Long flight," Jack replied. "Worth it, though."
Hume nodded, then glanced briefly at Jack's parents before lowering his voice slightly. "If you need to rest, let us know. No pressure to socialize right away."
Jack blinked, surprised.
"…Thanks."
There was nothing strange about Hume. No weird vibes. No hidden meanings. Just a normal guy who seemed genuinely concerned.
Dinner preparations started, and everyone moved toward the dining room. As Jack passed, Hume fell into step beside him.
"Lisa said Japan was good for you," Hume said casually. "I'm glad you came back."
Jack glanced at him. "You sound like you've known me for years."
Hume laughed. "Trust me, I've heard enough stories to feel like I do."
They shared a small smile.
Later, when Jack sat down and rubbed his temple absentmindedly, Hume noticed.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
"Yeah," Jack said. "Just tired."
Hume nodded. "If it gets too much, say the word. I've got your back."
Jack paused, then gave a small smile.
"Appreciate it."
As the noise of family filled the house, Jack realized something unexpected.
For the first time since coming home, he didn't feel like an outsider.
And somehow—
Lisa's boyfriend had just become his ally.
---