Part 13:

Monja: *Her voice crackles through the phone, laced with worry.* Babe, are you alright? You sound… different. Is everything okay? I've hardly heard from you all day.

Jin-woo grips the phone tighter, his knuckles turning white. He takes a deep breath, trying to mimic Christopher's usual jovial tone.

Jin-Woo: *He forces a chuckle, mind racing. He need an excuse, and fast.* Hey, Kitten. Everything's fine, just a bit… um… under the weather. Been busy with work, you know how it is.

Monja: *A skeptical silence hangs in the air.* Work? Since when does 'work' involve disappearing off the face of the earth? You haven't even logged into 'Crunchyroll'. I was starting to think you'd been abducted by aliens.

Jin-woo winces internally. He'd forgotten about that app completely. Damn it, Christopher! He scolded internally.

Jin-Woo: *He rubs his forehead, trying to think of a plausible explanation.* Aliens? Really Kitten? Look, I'll make it up to you, I promise. How about a virtual date this weekend? We can finally finish that dungeon we've been stuck on.

Monja: *She pauses, her tone softening slightly.* A virtual date, huh? Alright, babe, you're on. But if you pull a disappearing act again, I'm flying over there and dragging you back myself. And I'm not kidding.

Jin-woo lets out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He manages a weak laugh, relief washing over him, fleetingly.

Jin-woo: *He runs a hand through his hair, already dreading the virtual date. He has no isea how to play 'Souls Bound by Destiny', let alone clear a dungeon. What have I gotten myself into?* Looking forward to it, Kitten. Talk soon.

Monja: You better babe, I'll be holding you to that. Love you, Chris.

The dial tone buzzes in his ear. Jin-woo stares at the phone, a growing sense of unease setting in his stomach. He needs to figure out what's going on, and fast. He could mentally kick himself for not saying 'I love you' back.

Jin-woo: *He glances towards the nursery, hearing the baby's soft gurgles. He pushes off the counter, a new determination hardening his gaze.* (Internally) Christopher… I hope to God, that you're not mixing up my life as I'm clearly screwing up your.