"Who is this?" He asks his face full of suspicion.
Before Hora can formulate and answer, I hurry towards her father like an underling trying to kiss the floor his boss is walking on.
Wiping the sweaty palms that have formed, I reach out to shake his hand.
"Good day, I'm Hor... Choo-ssi's new desk-mate. sir" He grips my hand firmly trying to assert his dominance over the thief trying to steal his daughter
"I'm Dylan Park sir.
I gave your daughter a lift home as she lost her bus card. It was also a way for me to pay her back for taking care of me so kindly today"
I say trying to exhibit my sincerity towards him.
If I play my cards right, and get daddy or mommy Bae on my side, then the chances of me successfully trapping the little rabbit is high. The best defense is offense!
"Aigoo, nice to meet you." He says yet his eyes tell another story, "Did you move here with your parents?" He asks bitingly. He is definitely sizing me up right now, whether I am suitable for his daughter or not.
"No sir. I'm here alone to continue my education. I just moved into the apartments at xxxx yesterday."
His eyebrows raise as he is able to speculate that 'my family' is rich, "Xxxx apartments? It's pretty pricey around there. But given your name, I'm thinking you must have come from overseas. Maybe America or Hong Kong. Definitely not Europe, your pronunciation is way to hard. How's it been adjusting to Korea?"
Now I know where Hora (Choo Bae), get's her smarts from. Dad Bae may be wrong but he was able to infer a considerable amount of data in a short amount of time.
"It's not been bad sir." I take a glance at Hora who is shyly trying to find a hole to hide in.
We continue to exchange pleasantries, after which he gives Hora a deep hug, before tussling her hair causing her to pout as they engage in playful banter. They seem like quite the harmonious family.
This familial warmth is something which I only ever experienced for a short amount of time in my life. A sad smile, filled with both hate and appreciation makes its way onto my face. As I take a deep breadth stopping any unwanted thoughts forming in my mind.
"Well sir, I'll get going" I bow towards the father and the daughter duo.
Before I can even think of turning around, the man's husky voice stops me, "Laddy, where do you think you going?"
My eyes dart back and forth giving him my answer before he continues, "Come inside and have supper with us. It's not the Bae's family way to send a friend home without saying thanks. Isn't that right darling?" He seeks affirmation from his daughter who just nods
"There is no need for that sir. I have food at aaaah"
Ignoring my opinion, and the need for consent. He just grabs my arm anyway and pulls me towards the gate.
Mirroring what I did to Hora earlier.
Her Father and I are quite alike in that regard.
I think I might like this man.
Hora follows us with a gleeful smile on her face, as she witnesses someone getting a taste of their own medicine.
"Honey! I'm home!" Mr Bae screams as we enter his home.
Inside the decoration is very minimalistic but it has that lived in and loved feel with memories of theire growing up, "And I have a surprise!" He announces
A woman, comes around the corner into the living room wearing an apron while carrying a spatula. Seeing the surprise, she quickly tries to make herself presentable.
The signs of cooking cover her hands as its full of flower and oil.
Despite her less than ideal dress. Her elegance stills shines through.
The old man was quite lucky to have married her. She was most definitely a beauty back in her hay day.
I would expect no less from the mother of who birthed the generational beauty.
"Yah! why are you shouting?" she asks quite warmly, before noticing the stranger, "Oh my and who is this? You should have called and told me we would have a guest hunny"
I feel slighty uncomfortable in this new environment. I really want to make a good impression. The weight of expectation is quite heavy.
"He isnt my guest, honey." He shakes his head as a sneaky smirk grows "He's your daughter's"
Hora, tries to raise her voice in objection, that she wasnt the one who invited me in only to be ignored by her dad.
He then pats me on my back before pointing to his wife.
I guess this is my cue.
I then repeat my introduction from earlier word for word including the bow.
"Oh Dylan is it, Thank you bringing my little girl home. I hope you like Seolleongtang ( ox-bone stew)"
I've never had it before but I lie through my teeth and express excitement.
Mrs Bae, seems happy with this reaction.
I really think, I was made to be an actor. Although I wasn't successful in my last life hopefully I have more luck in this one.
I then throw that thought to the back of my mind. As I take a seat on the sofa and take in my surroundings.
I didn't really have a moment to take this all in but I'm really in Hora's childhood home about to have dinner with her! Sure she isn't the superstar yet but she will be. This is insane!!
After a short while, a very luxurious table is set with various side dishes.
Her mom is really proficient in the kitchen. It looks even better than some restaurants.
They do however seem to have gone the extra mile since a guest is here but they play it off as just a 'couple of extra things'.
Hora then runs to her room and calls her younger sister.
Little was known about her in her previous life so I can't deny that I am a little curious.
Hora returns, followed by a grumpy yet cute 12 or 13 year old with pig tails.
While it is quite clear to see that she's a little beauty and that when she matures she will probably steal a few hearts.
She however doesn't look like the loli version of Hora I was expecting.
She has a uniqueness about her.
And if her current height is anything to go by, she's about 1,4 m already. She will definitely be taller than Hora by the time she's 16.
Spotting the mountain of food. She grows visibly excited.
"Waaah, mom whose birthday is it?"
"Chae-hyun!" She is instantly reprimanded, as she dove straight for the kimcho " We have a guest" her mom says signalling to me
She notices me for the first time and I off a smile at her and wave.
"Hi"
She rests her eyes on my face for a few seconds, then bites her lips as she sizes me up. Her stare is uncomfortable.
After what feels like an hour she stands up and goes to hug her sister before screaming
"Yaaaah, Unnie is approve. Your boyfriend is super hot!! "