The old woman, despite her age, moved steadily as she guided them inside.
"Co in, co in. It's been too long, Seoyang."
Seoyang smiled and helped support the old woman slightly as they entered the house. "Thank you, Auntie Mira. It really has been a long ti."
The house had a warm, traditional feel to it. Wooden floors, neatly arranged furniture, and the sll of herbal tea in the air made it feel welcoming.
Minjun, Auntie Mira's son, brought out cushions for everyone to sit on as the old woman settled down. "You still rember the way, huh?" Auntie Mira chuckled.
John looked around and whispered to Seoyang, "This place really feels nostalgic, huh?"
Seoyang nodded before turning back to Auntie Mira.
Auntie Mira suddenly looked at Seoyang and John, squinting a bit as if she couldn't quite believe her eyes. "Hold on," she said, her voice full of surprise, "How old are you two?"
Seoyang blinked. "We're both 43 and 44."
"What? I didn't ask because i thought it's just my eyes poor sight" Minjun asked wide-eyed, clearly shocked "But... you two look like you're in your 25!"
Everyone chuckled, Before John could explained, Minjun leaned forward with a curious look. "Oh, is it the Awakened ability? You know, to stay young?"
Seoyang nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, sothing like that. It's one of the perks of being chosen."
Auntie Mira's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing with concern. "Chosen, huh?" She shook her head, a soft frown crossing her face. "That dangerous. Be careful, you two. These kinds of abilities can have... consequences."
John t her gaze and gave a reassuring smile. "We've managed so far. But thanks for the concern."
Auntie Mira gave a small nod, still clearly worried, but she didn't press the issue further.
After so happy chatter about the past, Auntie Mira's smile softened, and she suddenly asked, "How's your mother?"
Seoyang's expression dimd slightly, but she kept her voice steady. "She left 18 years ago."
Auntie Mira's eyes flickered with sadness before she let out a small laugh. "Ah… so I won, huh? I outlived her." She chuckled, but deep inside, a shadow of sorrow passed through her face.
Seoyang reached out and held the old woman's hand. "She always talked about you, Auntie Mira. She was really fond of you."
The old woman smiled warmly. "That stubborn woman… I miss her."
For a mont, there was a peaceful silence before Auntie Mira suddenly looked around at the rest of the group. "Oh! Is this your family?"
Seoyang nodded. "where is Seojun?" Before she could say anything more, she suddenly turned to Nathan and patted his head. "Ah, and this must be Seojun!"
Nathan froze. "H-Huh?"
Elshienne burst into laughter as Nathan quickly fixed his hair. "Auntie, you got the wrong one!"
Seoyang, laughing softly, stood up and gently pulled Seojun closer. "Auntie, this is Seojun." She then gestured to Nathan. "And that's my second son, Nathan."
Minjun and Auntie Mira blinked in surprise before the old woman chuckled. "Oh, you're right! Seojun has brown hair, but this kid has black hair!"
She laughed, while Nathan pouted, still fixing his hair. "I'm not a kid…" he muttered.
Auntie Mira patted Nathan's shoulder. "Sorry, sorry, my mistake! But you look so much like your mother, you know?"
Nathan sighed dramatically, making everyone laugh again. The warm atmosphere continued as they shared stories, filling the house with laughter and mories.
The laughter died down for a mont when Nathan suddenly spoke, his voice quiet but clear.
"She's not my mother," Nathan said, looking a bit uncomfortable.
Everyone went quiet for a beat, and Auntie Mira, who had been smiling monts before, looked awkward. "Oh… I see."
Seoyang chuckled, her hand gently resting on Nathan's and Elshienne's arms. "These two are my husband's son and daughter from his first wife," she said, smiling warmly. "And this is Jana Hye, Seojun's biological sister."
Auntie Mira laughed nervously and apologized. "Ah, I'm sorry! I didn't an to make assumptions. Nathan, you do look like Seoyang. But then, I see now."
Nathan blushed slightly, but then his voice softened as he shyly added, "She's not our biological mother… but she's the best mother Grandma…" He whispered the last part, almost as if unsure how others would take it.
Hearing this, the rest of the group burst into laughter. Auntie Mira's eyes twinkled, and Minjun, who had been quietly watching the exchange, leaned back and laughed too.
"I thought you two weren't on good terms with your husband's son!" Minjun teased, his voice lighthearted. "Good thing you're not, huh? Be good to your mom, Nathan!"
Nathan groaned and ran a hand through his hair. "Arghh, you're ruining my hair, old man!" He shot Minjun a playful glare.
Minjun just laughed louder, clearly enjoying teasing Nathan.
John, who had been observing quietly, smiled softly at the warm interaction. It felt like they were a real family. Auntie Mira's eyes suddenly turned toward him, and she raised an eyebrow.
"You have strong genes, huh?" she said, chuckling. "Look at all your children—they all have your blue eyes."
John scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed by the attention. "Ah, I guess it runs in the family."
Minjun looked around at the group, his eyes widening in amusent. "You have a big family," he said, grinning. "You even have a dog! What's this guy's na?"
He crouched down, reaching out to Huno, who was sitting still and behaving like a well-trained dog. Jihye, who had been standing nearby, instantly ran over and hugged Huno, her tiny arms wrapping around the dog's neck. "His na is Huno!" Jihye said with a big smile. "And we have a cat, Nymira, and Silla, and Nean, who are all at ho!"
She raised her hands, acting like she was counting the pets on her fingers. "One, two, three and Four!... Huno, Nymira, Silla, and Nean!" she said excitedly, her voice full of pride.
Minjun couldn't help but laugh at the adorable sight. He reached over and pulled Jihye into a warm hug. "You're so cute, Jana," he said, his voice filled with affection. "You really have a big family—and a lot of pets too!"
Jihye giggled, resting her head against Minjun's chest. "I like my family! and also Uncle you can just call Jihye hehee"
Seojun stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold. It felt strange, but in a good way, seeing everyone laughing and being so affectionate. For a mont, it was like the world around him slowed down, and he could just enjoy the simple, sweet monts.
Minjun pulled away from Jihye, still chuckling. "Well, with a family this big, you're never going to be lonely, huh?"
Jihye grinned up at him. "Nope! We're all together!"
The warm, happy energy in the room made Seojun smile slightly. It was... nice.
anwhile, in Seoul—
A loud crash shattered the tense silence inside the Awakeners Association headquarters.
"Get the restraints! Now!"
The room was in complete chaos. Several hunters surrounded a single man, his eyes glowing an unnatural shade, veins bulging with unstable mana. His breathing was erratic, and his distorted growl sent chills down the spines of those present.
"He's breaking free!"
The alarms blared through the facility, red ergency lights flashing as more hunters rushed in. Mana suppression devices were activated, but none of them seed to work. The berserk man lashed out wildly, sending people flying back with sheer brute force.
His fingers clawed at the air, a deep, guttural scream vibrating through the room. Hunters gritted their teeth, pushing forward to restrain him again, but it was a losing battle.
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