Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: An Awkward Homecoming
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As my dear father had so sagely decreed, I headed straight to my parents' house the moment the holiday kicked off.
Though I'm not sure if "headed down" is the right way to put it. My studio apartment's in Seoul, and so is my family home.
Still...
"......"
Whatever the case, I'd made it. Even if the sky had already darkened thanks to an unexpectedly deep nap on the bus.
So, ring the bell, Mom comes out, greet her first... Hmm, what exactly do I say? Oh, but what if Dad answers instead?
Password? Forgotten ages ago.
The air was chilly, goosebumps prickling my forearms, but I just couldn't bring myself to press that doorbell right in front of me. I hesitated.
Coming home felt so awkward. Seeing my parents after all this time? Even more so.
If they ask who it is, do I say 'your son' or 'your daughter'...
One fundamental dilemma after another. My 'awakened' state only made me hesitate more.
Maybe just say 'Noeul' like normal... What did I used to say when I came home? 'Your son,' I think...
Lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, stamping my feet anxiously, that's when a familiar voice from behind cut through my indecision like a knife.
"Huh? No way, you actually came?"
I turned to see a grinning guy. My brother, Haneul Lee.
Did he really just say that? I couldn't help but huff.
"Straight from work?"
"Yeah. No idea why the hell my company's drowning me in work."
Haneul's face was etched with exhaustion as he vented about his job. He was dressed in a suit.
Acting like he was carrying the whole office on his back—such a drama king.
"What's that in your hand?"
"Oh, this?"
A shopping bag and a gold-wrapped box caught my eye. When I asked, his expression puffed up with pride.
"This one's a gift from my section chief. And this? Hanwoo beef. Company handed it out to all the employees for family holidays."
"...Oh."
"Hanwoo, no less. Means it's Korean-raised, homegrown cow."
"......"
"You ever heard of Hyongsung?"
Haneul flashed a smug grin as he said it.
Annoying jerk.
"Ha, if only my damn company wasn't such a slave driver. Reports up the wazoo. Gonna give me carpal tunnel."
Speak for yourself—I felt one coming on just listening.
I bit back the urge to say it amid his griping.
A company that thinks of families enough to give out gifts, and he's still complaining? Must be nice.
Our guild tried to look after members with events too, now that we were practically family...
"Anyway, whatever. Long time no see—what'd you bring?"
"...Um."
His sudden question made me duck my head, and my small, pale hand came into view.
I'd heard salarymen exchanged gifts during holidays, but it hadn't crossed my mind.
Feeling sheepish, I pointed at myself with a finger.
"Got me right here. Your gift."
"......"
No response.
Why? People usually love this kinda thing.
"...Pfft, what."
"Just... makes me wonder if you're really Noeul Lee."
He shot back teasingly, embarrassed himself. But that flustered me more.
"What do you mean, 'what'!?"
"Nah, just seems like your personality's shifted a bit."
"...Huh? Where? I'm still me!"
"It's a good change."
"......"
He's always had a knack for saying the dumbest stuff.
His big hand landing on my head didn't help.
"Cold out here. Let's go in."
With that, he brushed past me and punched in the door code like it was nothing. For some reason, his back looked extra broad tonight.
...Oh, right.
"Bro, um... any chance you remember the password?"
"...What?"
I'd only asked out of curiosity, but the look on his face when he turned was priceless.
I mean, he could've forgotten too!
I didn't say it aloud, but he must've read it on my face—a small sigh escaped him.
"1115."
"...Huh?"
"Our house code. Your birthday."
"......"
Forget the one thing you should forget. I grumbled under my breath and scurried after him into the house.
Right. The house code. Now I remembered.
"Dad, guess who's here? You're gonna flip."
Suit fits him pretty nice, though...
Really annoying.
The spacious living room hadn't changed a bit, right down to the trophy case crammed with awards.
Our house, after so long, was exactly the same.
"Oh, my boy's home?"
Mom burst out of the kitchen at the sound of Haneul's voice. She'd changed a little. Wrinkles around her mouth and eyes—not the welcome kind.
"Work keeping you that busy? You're always so late these days."
"Eh, you know. End of the year's coming up. Gotta wrap things up."
"What kinda company's piling on the work like that... Oh, what's that in your hand?"
"Company holiday gift. Hanwoo beef. Hanwoo."
"Goodness, how thoughtful."
Her voice was all warmth and smiles. I shuffled awkwardly through the entryway.
"And what's that?"
"Oh, gift from my section chief."
"My, that's expensive liquor, isn't it? Sihyun, was it? Make sure to thank him properly."
So cozy and cheerful. A material world, through and through.
No real reason to think so negatively, but... it wasn't because my hands felt empty. Definitely not.
"...Huh?"
Shoving aside the guilty twinge, I kicked off my shoes—and locked eyes with Mom.
"...Who?"
A bit late on the uptake, isn't it? My mouth itched to say something, but I held back.
"Oh my gosh, no way...?"
Her eyes widened, some realization dawning. Haneul must've tipped her off.
"Honey! Come quick, see who's here!"
As if to prove it, Mom hollered excitedly, and out shuffled Dad from his study, sporting new glasses I'd never seen. His hair was streaked with white now.
"Hm?"
And apparently, he'd mellowed out in the time away—our eyes met, and he cracked a rare smile,
"...The daughter-in-law?"
Wait, what?
"I was so worried about when you'd get married, and our boy brings home someone so suddenly! Look at her!"
"...I see."
"Couldn't give us a heads-up? We could've made it more comfortable!"
"Indeed."
Hold on. Where exactly?
Mom fussing excitedly, Dad nodding solemnly beside her.
I glanced at Haneul for backup, but he was stifling a laugh.
You jerk, don't just stand there!
Truly annoying.
Flustered and stammering, that's when Dad's face softened into an unfamiliar warmth.
"Come in, daughter dear."
Crazy—daughter dear? Urk! My stomach churned.
"Our son brought so many gifts today!"
I'd joked to Haneul that I was the gift, but hearing it from Mom made it weird.
"Wish our little one would bring a sweetheart next time too, right?"
"...Naturally."
Sorry to interrupt the happy couple with me standing right here, but time to clear this up.
Ignoring the useless brother, I finally forced my mouth open.
"It's me, Mom..."
For some reason, her face lit up brighter.
"Oh my, calling me Mom already. Music to my ears. Right?"
"...Call me Father, dear."
...That's not what I—!
And Dad, that's not your vibe!
"No, Dad, that's not—!"
"Hm. Splendid."
Not what I meant, but satisfaction crept onto Dad's face anyway.
Just calling him Dad, and this happens!
I whipped around—Haneul just shrugged. Hating him for not helping.
"No, really—I'm Noeul Lee!"
No more misunderstandings. I corrected fast.
"Hm?"
Dad's eyebrow twitched.
"Oh?"
A flicker of something odd crossed Mom's face.
"Pfft—HAHAHA!!"
Haneul burst out laughing, unable to hold it.
An unwelcome symphony of reactions. Family stares zeroed in, my face burning.
"I thought our eldest brought his bride! My mind's playing tricks. Who'd guess son... no, daughter?"
Mom's fussing started up again as Haneul averted his eyes.
And 'daughter' just like that? Mom had zero preconceptions.
"...Why so late?"
Regrettably, Dad's satisfied look hardened back to its usual sternness.
Maybe a tad softer... Nah, wishful thinking.
"Your mother's been slaving in the kitchen since morning. Could've come early to help."
"Fell asleep on the bus..."
"Hm."
But what could I do? Woke up and it was already this late!
I couldn't voice the complaint.
Still...
"Dinner first."
Late hour or not, the family was together.
That welcome suggestion had me nodding vigorously.
"Your cousins are coming tomorrow."
"Yeah..."
"Seowon got into Seoul National University this time. Lowest cutoff, they say."
"Oh... really..."
"Seohun applied to the military academy. Good grades, should pass."
"Sounds like it..."
"A joyous occasion for the Lee family."
"......"
Not music to my ears.
"You still playing that game?"
I shot a pleading look at Haneul beside me, but he just shrugged again.
Annoying jerk.