CHAPTER FOUR POINT TWO

As the sun climbed higher, painting the sky a brilliant blue, Khynny, Hye Jin, and Oner stepped into the peaceful embrace of Bukchon Hanok Village. The traditional hanok houses, with their curved tiled roofs and wooden beams, stood like sentinels guarding centuries of history. The narrow streets seemed to whisper stories of the past, while a light breeze carried the sweet fragrance of blossoming cherry blossoms.

Khynny squinted against the sunlight, taking in the beauty surrounding them. "I could get lost here," she said softly, her voice blending with the tranquil atmosphere of the village.

Hye Jin, walking ahead, turned back with a grin. "Just don't wander into someone's living room. They might think you're here for a housewarming party!"

"Yeah, I hear their home-cooked meals are to die for," Khynny teased, her eyes sparkling.

"Maybe you could charm your way into one," Oner added with amusement, nudging Hye Jin, who shot him an exaggerated eye roll.

As they strolled deeper into the village, Khynny felt warmth spreading through her. The nostalgic, almost magical atmosphere enveloped her as they passed the intricately designed hanoks. Each house seemed to tell its own story, and she could almost hear echoes of laughter and conversations from generations long gone.

"Have you ever thought about how many romances must have blossomed here?" Khynny mused, glancing at her companions.

"Definitely more than in the e-sports teams," Hye Jin quipped. "Though I'm not sure if they ended with a sweet victory or a rage quit."

Oner chuckled. "If it's anything like my last match, I'm betting on a rage quit. But here? I'd say it ends with kimchi and gimbap."

They paused in front of a particularly beautiful hanok, its courtyard filled with blooming flowers. Khynny admired the scene, her heart swelling with appreciation. "It's incredible how they've preserved these houses. It feels like walking through a painting."

Hye Jin's expression turned playful. "If you love this, wait until you see our ancestral house. It's like stepping into a time machine!"

"What? We're not going back to the Joseon era, are we?" Khynny teased, pretending to gasp. "I didn't bring my hanbok!"

"Don't worry," Hye Jin said with a laugh. "We can improvise. A vintage vibe never hurt anyone!"

"True, but I can't guarantee I won't look like a lost tourist," Khynny shot back, her tone light.

Oner smiled quietly, watching the banter between them. "I'll make sure to have my phone ready for those touristy photos."

After a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, Hye Jin stopped suddenly, her eyes alight with excitement. "Okay, time for the surprise! Let's go see our ancestral house!"

Khynny's curiosity piqued. "Wait, you're serious? You're taking me to your family's house?"

"Of course! It's only fair you meet our Eomma. But be prepared," Hye Jin said, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

As they approached the house, the traditional hanok loomed before them, radiating peace and nostalgia. The wooden structure was beautifully preserved, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. Khynny felt a mix of nerves and excitement as they stepped inside.

The interior was adorned with intricate wooden beams and paper sliding doors, creating an atmosphere both serene and slightly intimidating. Khynny adjusted her glasses as they entered, taking in the calmness of the space.

"Eomma! We're home!" Hye Jin called out, her voice echoing through the halls.

From the kitchen came the warm sound of Mrs. Moon's voice. "Welcome back, my dear!" Soon, she appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her face brightened when she spotted Oner with the group.

"Hyeun Jun?" Mrs. Moon's eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise as her gaze flitted between him, Hye Jin, and Khynny. "I wasn't expecting you to come along! I thought your schedule was too hectic for family visits these days."

Oner shifted slightly, his normally stoic demeanor softening just a bit under his mother's gaze. "I had some time off," he replied casually, though the small warmth in his voice betrayed something more. It wasn't just a matter of having time off. He wanted to be here—wanted to share this moment, even if he wouldn't quite say that aloud.

Mrs. Moon gave him an affectionate smile, clearly pleased. "Well, this is a wonderful surprise! I don't often get to see you relax." She stepped closer, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. "It's good to have you home, Hyeun Jun. You've been working too hard."

Oner offered a small, shy smile. "It's good to be here."

As the moment stretched between mother and son, Hye Jin stood to the side, her lips curving into a naughty smile. She caught her Eomma's eye and raised her eyebrows in a meaningful way, glancing subtly between Oner and Khynny. You see? That's why he's here, her expression seemed to say.

Mrs. Moon's eyes twinkled in amusement as she returned Hye Jin's look. Her silent message was clear: Oh, I understand. She smiled sweetly and turned her gaze back to Oner, then Khynny, who was busy admiring the hanok and oblivious to the exchange. Neither Oner nor Khynny seemed to catch on to the quiet conversation happening around them.

"See, Eomma? He actually exists outside of work," Hye Jin teased, her eyes still gleaming with hidden meaning as she nudged her mother lightly.

Mrs. Moon chuckled, the corners of her mouth lifting into a knowing, affectionate smile. "It's a rare sight, indeed."

Oner, still unaware of the amused glances being exchanged, chuckled softly. Khynny, equally oblivious, took in the surroundings with genuine admiration, clearly missing the playful undercurrent.

Mrs. Moon's gaze shifted again to Khynny, and her smile deepened, now holding a hint of something more. She had understood what her daughter was hinting at, and her look suggested that she found the idea of her son's interest in Khynny endearing. It means her baby boy is now ready to move on after what his ex-girlfriend has done to him.

Stepping forward, Mrs. Moon addressed Khynny with warmth. "Ah, you must be Doctor Cuenca," she said, offering a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Hye Jin has spoken so highly of you."

"Thank you for having me, ma'am. I'm honored," Khynny replied, bowing in return. "Hye Jin's passion for history has definitely inspired me to be a better educator."

Hye Jin, watching the exchange, threw her mother another playful look, as if to say, See? It's not just history he's interested in. Mrs. Moon's eyes sparkled with amusement, but she said nothing, only casting a brief glance at Oner, who was standing nearby, looking as though he was quietly proud of how well Khynny fit in with his family. His usual guarded expression softened, but still, he was entirely unaware of the silent teasing going on between his mother and sister.

Mrs. Moon smiled, giving Oner and Khynny both a sweet, knowing look. "I see she's managed to balance her engineering studies with her love for history. That's rare." She glanced at Hye Jin, who looked sheepish.

"Let's keep that a secret, shall we?" Hye Jin interjected with a grin. "We wouldn't want Apa finding out about my extracurricular activities."

"I can keep a secret," Khynny promised with a conspiratorial smile. "In the Philippines, we have a tradition of supporting each other's passions, even if they seem unconventional. We call it bayanihan—coming together to help one another."

"That sounds lovely," Mrs. Moon said, intrigued. "Family support is so important."

Oner stood back, watching the exchange with a smile. He admired how Khynny gracefully navigated the conversation, balancing formality with warmth. Something stirred within him as he realized how easily she fit into the rhythm of their family.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Mrs. Moon said, gesturing toward the low wooden table. "Lunch is almost ready. I hope you're hungry—I've prepared a traditional Korean meal."

"That sounds amazing!" Khynny exclaimed, her eyes wide with anticipation. "What's on the menu?"

"Kimchi jjigae, bulgogi, and some banchan," Mrs. Moon replied, pride in her voice. "And of course, freshly steamed rice."

"Everything sounds delicious!" Khynny said, her stomach rumbling in agreement. "I've always wanted to try authentic home-cooked Korean food."

"You're in for a treat," Hye Jin said, giving her a playful nudge. "Eomma's cooking is legendary."

They settled onto the floor cushions around the table as the aroma of the meal filled the room, rich and inviting. Mrs. Moon soon returned with an impressive spread, each dish carefully arranged.

"Wow, this looks incredible!" Khynny said, her eyes sparkling as she took in the colorful array of food. The vibrant kimchi glistened, the bulgogi smelled savory, and the banchan added bright pops of color.

Oner gestured toward the dishes. "This is what we call a full spread. It's not just about the food—it's the experience of sharing it together."

Mrs. Moon smiled warmly as she placed a bowl of rice in front of Khynny. "In our culture, meals are a time for connection. I hope you enjoy every bite."

"I will!" Khynny said eagerly, picking up her chopsticks. "I've been looking forward to this since Hye Jin mentioned it."

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Hye Jin regaled them with stories from her childhood, her exaggerated gestures bringing laughter to the table. Khynny found herself captivated by the warmth and bond between the siblings.

"Did you really think you could outrun me in the kitchen when we were kids?" Hye Jin teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Hey, I had my reasons! You were always faster, and I wasn't going to lose the last piece of kimchi jjigae!" Oner shot back, pretending to be offended.

Khynny chuckled, warmed by their banter. "Sounds like a competitive family dynamic!"

Mrs. Moon joined in the laughter, her eyes twinkling. "In our family, food is serious business! Whoever eats the most gets to choose the next family outing."

"I'll keep that in mind," Khynny said, savoring another bite of bulgogi. "This is amazing! I might need cooking lessons from you, Mrs. Moon."

"I'd be delighted," Mrs. Moon replied, her voice full of warmth. "Cooking is how we show love for those we care about."

Oner watched as Khynny effortlessly engaged with his mother, their conversation flowing naturally. With every shared laugh, he felt something deepen within him, a connection he hadn't anticipated. Khynny's ease with his family made him realize just how much she had begun to mean to him.

As the meal wound down, Khynny leaned back, satisfied. "I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a meal like that. Thank you, Mrs. Moon."

"Wait until you try my dessert," Mrs. Moon said, a knowing smile on her face. "You'll want to come back for more!"

As laughter echoed around the table, Khynny felt a sense of belonging. Here, in this traditional hanok, surrounded by warmth and love, she realized she had found something more than just a meal—she had found a place where she truly belonged.