A few minutes later…
They stepped into the grand, dimly lit Hee Mansion, the heavy doors groaning shut behind them.
"We're home!!" Tae-hyun called out, half-heartedly, echo bouncing off the marbled walls.
Grandpa Hee appeared at the top of the staircase, gripping his walking stick like a general ready for war. He descended slowly, eyes narrowed at them.
"Good evening, Grandfather," they chorused, bowing politely.
Without warning, Grandpa Hee swung his walking stick, whacking each of them on the arm with a sharp thwack-thwack.
"Grandfather—was that really necessary?" Tae-hyun yelped, rubbing the spot.
"Why does it sting so bad?" Do-yoon complained, massaging his arm.
Grandpa Hee scowled. "So you two think you're so grown up now, huh? Making your money, driving your fancy cars, and tossing your poor old Grandpa aside like expired milk!"
"We would never think that!" Tae-hyun protested. "We've just been… really busy."
Grandpa Hee raised his stick again, and both of them flinched backward in perfect sync.
"No, no, no, we're sorry!" Do-yoon blurted. "It's all our fault. We're horrible, ungrateful grandsons."
Grandpa Hee paused, stick hovering midair. "Hmph. Answer me this: what is tomorrow?"
"Uhh… July 28th?" Do-yoon replied carefully.
"That's it? Nothing else?" Grandpa Hee's eyes sharpened.
They glanced at each other and shrugged. "Is there… something we should know?"
Grandpa Hee lifted the stick threateningly again but let it drop with a dramatic sigh. "Useless. Tomorrow is my birthday, and I'm throwing a feast. You two are handling everything."
Do-yoon and Tae-hyun exchanged quick, forced grins. "Ahahaha, how could we forget? Our beloved grandfather's birthday!" Tae-hyun said.
"Yes, yes! We just wanted to pretend we forgot so we could surprise you tomorrow!" Do-yoon added quickly.
"Mm-hmm. Is that so?" Grandpa Hee eyed them suspiciously. "Then, tell me—how old am I turning?"
"Sir?" they both squeaked, smiles freezing.
"How. Old. Am. I. Turning?"
"Eighty-three! Definitely eighty-three," Tae-hyun declared.
"No way, it's eighty!" Do-yoon countered.
Grandpa Hee's face fell into a look of pure disappointment as he pulled out his phone. "Forget it. Let me call the only person who cares about me."
---
Meanwhile…
Soo-ji was sprawled comfortably on the couch, munching on popcorn as she watched her favorite action drama with Seo-jun, who was also munching on popcorn but obviously focused on his phone.
Her phone rang, displaying Grandpa Hee.
"Hang on, it's Grandpa," Soo-ji said, pausing the movie.
"Good evening, Grandpa!" Soo-ji chirped, her voice bright.
"HEY!" Grandpa Hee yelled, though there was a soft undertone in his voice. "Has my granddaughter forgotten me, huh? You promised to check up on me!"
"I'm sorry, Grandpa!" Soo-ji bowed her head as if he could see her. "I'll make it up to you, I promise."
"At least you're better than my useless grandsons," Grandpa Hee huffed, glaring at Do-yoon and Tae-hyun, who were awkwardly standing nearby.
Soo-ji giggled. "You should punish them. Confiscate their credit cards for a month."
"Now that's an idea!" Grandpa Hee chuckled, his eyes lighting up.
"So, what's the plan for your big day tomorrow?" Soo-ji asked.
"I'm throwing a grand feast," Grandpa Hee said proudly.
"Aww, Grandpa, you deserve it!" Soo-ji said with a warm laugh.
"And you, young lady, are specially invited," Grandpa Hee said.
"Wow, am I that special?" Soo-ji teased, a playful pout in her voice.
"You're my best grandchild—and my only granddaughter. Of course, you're special."
"Aigoo, Grandpa, you're making me blush," Soo-ji teased again.
"Hmph, I'm honored," Grandpa Hee said, trying not to smile.
"What gift do you want for your birthday?" Soo-ji asked curiously.
"I just want you to be there. That would be the best gift," Grandpa Hee said, his voice softening.
"Aww, Grandpa…" Soo-ji's smile warmed the room. "I'll be there, and don't forget to take your medications and rest well, okay?"
"Yes, Doctor Soo-ji," Grandpa Hee teased.
"Goodnight, Grandpa!"
"Goodnight, my dear." Click.
---
Grandpa Hee lowered the phone, eyes twinkling, and turned to glare at his grandsons.
"What are you two looking at?" he snapped.
"You never talk to us like that," Tae-hyun muttered, arms crossed. "No wonder she's sweet to you. You're soft as tofu with her."
"Are you jealous?" Grandpa Hee asked, eyes narrowing.
Do-yoon scoffed. "Jealous? Us?"
"OUT. Get out of my house!" Grandpa Hee barked, lifting his walking stick and jabbing it toward the door.
"You're seriously kicking us out of our own grandfather's house?" Tae-hyun gaped.
"I've had enough of you two. Go!" Grandpa Hee continued poking them until they stumbled toward the door.
"Make sure my party tomorrow is perfect. Soo-ji will be there, and nothing can go wrong," he commanded, slamming the door dramatically.
Outside, Do-yoon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Wow. Kicked out by our own Grandpa because he's obsessed with a stranger."
"That stranger knows his birthday, unlike you two, but you still remember the PIN to my credit card," Grandpa Hee shouted from behind the door.
"Ungrateful grandsons," he added for emphasis before locking the door.
Tae-hyun huffed, shaking his head. "Whatever. Let's go eat. I'm starving."
"Yeah. Same," Do-yoon said, and the two walked off into the night, already dreading the chaos of planning a surprise feast they never planned in the first place.