FATAL TROUBLE (REVERSE HAREM)

Part 74

The room felt like a storm of chaos, with bags sprawled across the floor and heaps of clothes, toiletries, and random belongings scattered everywhere. You're sitting on the edge of the bed, folding your favorite hoodie, when your mom walked in, holding a neat stack of socks.

"Don't forget these," she said, placing them carefully on the bed. Her tone was light, but the way her fingers lingered on the edge of the bad gave her away.

Nearby, your dad was rummaging through your closet, pulling out jackets and sweaters. "You'll need this one," he says, holding up a thick winter coat. "It's going to be freezing in Seoul during the winter."

You nodded, forcing a small smile. "I know, Dad."

The room hummed with nervous energy, and though everyone was focused on packing, the weight of the impending goodbye was impossible to ignore. Your mom double-checks your toiletries, your dad carefully folded a scarf he insisted you'll need, and you zipped and unzipped your bags a dozen times, trying to make sure you haven't forgotten anything.

When everything was finally packed, you stepped back, staring at the bags lined up by the door. Your mom sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes scanning the room as if trying to memorize every detail. "You're really going," she says softly, her voice breaking just a little. "It feels like just yesterday you were running around the house with your tiny backpack."

You chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Now I've got a bigger backpack. Guess I've upgraded."

Your dad walked over and placed a hand on your shoulder. "We're proud of you," he says, his voice steady but warm. "This is a big step. You've worked so hard for this."

Before you knew it, you're at the airport. The hours had blurred together, and now you're standing at the departure gate, your heart heavy in your chest. Your mom pulled you into a hug, holding on like she didn't want to let go. "Call us as soon as you land," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "And don't skip meals, okay?"

"I will, Mom," you managed to say, your throat tightening.

Your dad hugged you next, firm and steady. "You're ready for this," he told you, his voice low but reassuring. "No matter what, we're just a call away."

You nodded, unable to trust yourself to speak, and stepped back. As you turned towards the gate, you glanced over your shoulder one last time. They're standing together, your mom dabbing at her eyes and your dad giving you a thumbs-up, his smile full of pride.

You lift a hand to wave, swallowing hard as you forced your feet to move forward. With each step, you felt the mix of nerves and excitement growing stronger. Their love and encouragement stayed with you, even as the gate closed behind you, and you took your first step towards your new life in Korea.

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.

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The hum of the airplane engines faded as you stepped off the plane and into the bustling Incheon airport. Everything feels surreal—the bright lights, the steady chatter in Korean, the distant scent of food wafting through the air. Pulling your phone from your pocket, you dialed your parents' number as you wait for your luggage at the carousel.

It rand twice before your mom picked up, her voice breaking with relief. "You've landed?"

"I just got here," you said, trying to sound calm even though the whirlwind of emotions in your chest was anything but. "The flight was fine. I'm waiting for my bags now."

Your dad's voice came through the speaker next, firm but warm. "Good. Make sure you rest once you get to the Airbnb. And don't hesitate to call us if you need anything."