***
Min Soo stood in front of the door to his—no, Min Soo's—house, hesitating. His heart pounded as a mix of curiosity and nervousness swirled within him. What will Min Soo's family be like? Will they notice anything strange about me?
Summoning his courage, he turned the handle and stepped inside.
"Min Soo, you're back!" a cheerful voice called out, warm and welcoming. "Come eat with us—you must be hungry, right?"
He froze for a moment, his chest tightening. Family… someone's waiting for me at home.
Following the voice, he entered the dining area, where a cozy scene unfolded before him. A young girl sat at the table, her hands folded neatly in her lap, her legs swinging idly beneath the chair. Her bright eyes lit up as she spotted him.
"Come sit here, brother!" she said excitedly, patting the chair next to her.
Behind her, a woman stood at the table, setting down dishes of steaming food. She turned toward him with a warm smile. "Welcome home, Min Soo. Dinner's ready—sit and eat."
Min Soo nodded awkwardly and shuffled toward the chair his sister had indicated. As he sat down, he glanced at the young girl beside him. She was grinning ear to ear, clearly excited for the meal. Her presence radiated innocence and joy, and for a moment, he wondered, Is this Min Soo's little sister? She's so adorable.
The woman—Min Soo's mother—finally sat down and began serving the food. Her movements were graceful but efficient, a sense of care and routine in every action.
As they began eating, she looked at him with a gentle expression. "How was school today, Min Soo?" she asked, her tone light but curious.
He hesitated, scrambling for an answer that wouldn't seem out of place. "It was… like always, Mom. Study and homework," he replied, forcing a small smile.
His mother chuckled, her eyes crinkling with warmth. "That's how it always is. I was the same when I was your age. You'll look back one day and miss it—trust me."
Min Soo nodded politely, though his mind wandered. He glanced to his side, where his little sister was completely engrossed in her food, eating with such single-minded focus that it was almost comical.
He smirked to himself. So, she's a glutton. Doesn't even care what we're talking about as long as there's food on the table.
The meal continued in a quiet, comforting rhythm, the occasional clink of utensils the only sound. For the first time in what felt like forever, Min Soo felt a strange sense of belonging.
---
After Dinner
When they finished eating, Min Soo's mother stood and began gathering the dishes. She smiled at him. "Just leave them in the sink, sweetheart. I'll wash them later. Go on and rest—you must be tired after school."
He smiled back, a genuine warmth spreading through him. "Okay, Mom. Thanks for dinner."
Her face softened. "Of course. Goodnight, Min Soo."
As he walked upstairs to Min Soo's room, he passed his sister, who was still happily munching on a piece of fruit she'd grabbed after dinner. He chuckled silently.
---
In Min Soo's Room
Entering the room, he took a moment to take it all in. The space was small but cozy, with posters of games and anime on the walls, a desk cluttered with school supplies, and a neatly made bed. He lay down, staring at the ceiling.
A soft smile crept onto his face. This family… they're so lively. So full of love.
For the first time in years, he felt something he hadn't dared to hope for: peace.
Closing his eyes, he whispered, "Maybe this is what I've been missing all along."
***