At home, Mr. Joon stood waiting at the door. Mrs. Joon came out smiling, and both hugged Christine warmly. Mrs. Joon even hugged Seungmin, who looked slightly stiff but polite, while Jiwoo and Han stood quietly beside them.
"Mom, did you notice something?" Christine asked, pointing with her eyes toward Seungmin's clothes.
"Honey, look, they both are wearing matching clothes," Mrs. Joon said.
Seungmin's ears turned red — clearly he was shy — while Han just smiled.
"Let's get inside," Mr. Joon said, eager to escape the awkward situation.
The servants carried the luggage in, and everyone entered the grand dining hall, the long table filled with rich food. As they ate, Christine lovingly fed Jiwoo a bite every few minutes.
"Christine, you're so cute," Mrs. Joon chuckled.
Han and Seungmin glanced at each other; they wanted to do the same, but it would be too awkward with Mr. Joon watching.
"So, how are things in England?" Mr. Joon asked.
"Everything's good," Christine smiled brightly. "Mom and Dad are fine, and business is running well. What about your health, Dad?"
"I'm fine, as you can see."
Then he turned to Seungmin. "How's your father?"
"He's fine," Seungmin answered seriously.
"Where is he these days?"
"He went to Japan for a business trip."
"And how is Seokmin doing?"
"He's fine too."
Mr. Joon sighed contently. "It feels so good to have a family dinner after such a long time."
Han, Jiwoo, and Seungmin stayed quiet, feeling the weight of silence. Christine filled it with a smile.
"Yes, Dad, it's so fun. Why don't we plan a trip together? That would be even better."
"Christine, eat your food before it gets cold," Jiwoo interrupted — the memories of the past family trip were still a nightmare for them; Han had nearly died on that trip.
Later, Mr. Joon asked, "How long are you planning to stay?"
"Until she wants to go back," Jiwoo replied quickly.
"Christine, why don't you come to the office to work with me?"
"Really, can I?" Christine's eyes lit up.
"Dad, she's here to rest, not to work," Jiwoo frowned.
"Woo-ah, it'll be fun. Please, let me," Christine held Jiwoo's hand.
Jiwoo sighed, unwilling to say no, and nodded.
After dinner, Seungmin stood up. "Mom, Dad, I'll take my leave. I have classes tomorrow."
"Han, don't you have classes too? Drive him home," Mr. Joon said.
"It's fine, I'll call a taxi," Seungmin replied.
"It's not safe to go alone at night. It's almost 11," Mr. Joon insisted.
"Let's go, Seungmin," Han bowed.
In the car, Seungmin said softly, "Let me drive. You look tired."
"It's fine, I can handle it," Han smiled.
"Are you sure? At least let me drive to my place," Seungmin insisted.
Han gave him the keys, and soon dozed off in the passenger seat.
"Han, wake up. We're here."
Han opened his eyes, confused. "This… this is my home. Why did you bring us here?"
"You looked so tired. I didn't want you to drive all the way back."
Han's heart softened. "Do you… want to stay?"
"I'd love to, but I have a quiz tomorrow. I need to go," Seungmin shook his head gently.
Han looked down, disappointed.
Han in his thoughts: "Why did I even ask knowing he will not stay?"
Seungmin leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss on his forehead. "Now go inside. I'll borrow your car and bring it to the university tomorrow."
Han nodded, smiling faintly, and stepped out. He waved as Seungmin drove away, his heart beating a little faster than before.
Han: "After all this — driving him home and taking him to dinner — all I get is a kiss on my forehead."