“Ding…dong…”

“Ahh! It’s Kevin! I’ll get the door,” Kyung-mi yelled from her bedroom.

“That girl, she’s so excited,” Mrs. Walters muttered to her husband, amused. “Remember the first time you met my parents?”

“Of course. I couldn’t understand a word they said!” Mr. Walters remarked jokingly.

“And I had to translate for you…” she watched her daughter proudly.

At the door, Kyung-mi was all smiles. She had just changed into her warm tights and belted tunic when she opened the door. Kevin was waiting for her with flowers in one hand and wine in the other.

“Kevin!” Kyung-mi exclaimed, giving him a fierce hug. “Wine?”

“We’re both drinking age. But I was thinking more for your parents…” his eyes twinkled. “But hey, if you want ever want to get drunk…”

“Oh shut up!” she grinned, taking the wine bottle. “Come in. Mom! Dad!”

Kevin removed his shoes and followed Kyung-mi to the kitchen. Their apartment was about the size of his dorm back home, maybe a little bit larger. It had a cozy atmosphere thanks to the elaborate rugs and couches.

“You ready?” Kyung-mi questioned, about to open the door.

Kevin gave her a quick kiss. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Alright.” Kyung-mi opened the sliding door to see her parent’s happy faces. Their eyes lit up when they saw Kevin.

“Mom, Dad, this is Kevin. Kevin, my parents.”

“Oh come here,” Mrs. Walters said, opening her arms for a hug. She whispered in Korean: “You look like sweet boy. Angelic face, you know?”

Kevin smiled sheepishly and hugged her back. “Thank you Mrs. Walters.”

“Good to meet you,” Mr. Walters remarked, offering his hand. Kevin took it, shaking firmly. “Good strong handshake. I like that.”

“Kyung-mi’s told us so much about you!” Mrs. Walters explained, patting Kyung-mi’s shoulder. “She couldn’t stop talking about you today.” She raised the pitch of her voice. “Ohh, he’s so amazing! And oh!! Mom I can’t wait for you to meet him!”

Kevin laughed. “I do have my charms after all.” He slung his arm around Kyung-mi’s shoulder casually, just to hit his hand against a cabinet door.

Kyung-mi just pinched his cheek lightly. “Real smooth…”

“Anyway, come on! Let’s get you two males seated in the dining room. Kyung-mi, if you could help me with this…” Mrs. Walters replied, looking into the fridge, all business.

“Sure,” she answered, but glanced at Kevin. Everything good?

I’ll be fine. Go help your mom. Kevin stared back, nodding.

Outside the kitchen, Mr. Walters and Kevin got seated. Kevin quickly poured water into all the glasses from a pitcher.

“So…” Mr. Walters started a conversation, slightly awkward. “I’m terrible at this kind of talk, but if you wouldn’t mind…”

“Oh! Go ahead, please,” Kevin said, gesturing with his hands.

“So Kyung-mi told me that she wants to move back to Seoul, because of you.”

“That’s right.”

Mr. Walters shrugged. “I don’t mind her going back. She’s a perfectly capable young lady and she’ll be able to navigate herself well. The only thing I want to know is, if she’s moving because of someone, is that someone worth it?” he looked at Kevin, stern. He wanted to get an honest answer.

Kevin scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Mr. Walters, I can only tell you what I know and I won’t make any assumptions, alright? So listen to me as I tell you this truth – she and I both love each other. And… if you let her come, I promise you, I’ll be her confidant, her lover, best friend, anything she could ask for.”

Mr. Walters nodded approvingly. Good. “Then… my daughter is in your hands.”

Kevin just exhaled, relieved. Thank goodness. But I answered with complete honesty, and I shouldn’t have to lie to get him to agree. But I’m glad I got his approval.

Just then, Kyung-mi walked out with a huge steel pot and set it down on the table. She looked to her father and Kevin. “I sure hope you two weren’t gossiping about me,” she said playfully.

“Only about the best of you dear,” Kevin responded, standing up. “Do you need any help?”

“No it’s alright Kevin, this is it,” Mrs. Walters replied, carrying a tray of bowls of rice. “Simple is the theme. I hope you like beef bone soup!”

“It’s my mom’s specialty,” Kyung-mi smiled. “…and you wouldn’t stop talking about it.” She turned to her mom.

“I can’t help it if it’s good! Anyway, everyone please, dig in!”

===================================================================================================

Dinner was great and slightly embarrassing in Kyung-mi’s eyes. She was glad that Kevin got along great with her parents, but couldn’t stop blushing when they talked about her when she was young.

“She used to be such a chubby baby!” “You should have heard her say the word water! It sounded like whadddhaa-”

“Mom… mom…” Kyung-mi sighed. “Don’t you think your daughter has had enough torment for the night?”

“What did I do?”

The small family continued to talk and share stories at the table late into the night. When it was almost eleven, Kevin decided to excuse himself. Dae Ho would get suspicious if he stayed out any later.

“Thank you so much for dinner,” Kevin thanked, giving Mrs. Walters one last hug at the door.

“No problem sweetie. If you ever visit L.A again, this will be your home.”

Kevin proceeded to shake Mr. Walters hand again. “Thank you for dinner Mr. Walters.”

“Please…” Mr. Walters’ eyes shone. “Call me dad.”

===============================================================================================

Kevin and Kyung-mi walked slowly to the front entrance, where a taxi would be waiting for Kevin.

“Thank you so much for coming Kevin. It means a lot, to see my parents smiling and laughing with you.” Kyung-mi gave Kevin a hug, squeezing tightly.

“Honestly, it was my pleasure,” was his reply. He gave Kyung-mi a quick kiss. “I’ll see you soon, alright? I’ll text you when I’m free.” He began to enter the taxi.

“Okay! See you soon!” Kyung-mi waved. “I love you!”

Kevin grinned. “Me too.”

==================================================================================================

“Have you given any thoughts to where you’re going to be living?” Mrs. Walters asked the next day.

“Actually, I’ve got it all planned out. Hana has offered me a place to stay until I’ve got my… Korea legs. I’m going to settle in for sure first before I apply to any visa. I still would like to be considered an American citizen.”

“I’ll take it that you’re not going to work for NH again?”

“I don’t think they’ll accept me and I want to try something else. I’ll just watch from the sidelines and look for a job elsewhere - maybe in a cute coffee shop or something. They’re always looking for baristas.”

Mrs. Walters nodded; glad to see her daughter still had her common sense. “Your father just got a raise. It seems like he’s doing great as a professor.”

Kyung-mi smiled. Her father - even though he didn’t seem like the type to be studious - had is PhD in neurology (nerves and brain) and was currently teaching his first year in Harvard.

“They’re definitely paying much better then his old job,” Mrs. Walters remarked, referring to his job in the hospital. “He’ll give some of that money to you, and I’ll give you some of mine-”

“Mom, I can’t have you be paying for me the second time! Besides, I have my earnings from NH and the ballet studio-”

“No, Dad and I will help you and that’s that. This isn’t just spending money on you. I’d like to call it… a long term investment.”

“Well… if you put it that way…”

“When will you be leaving?”

“I’ve booked my ticket to Incheon using the leftover air miles,” Kyung-mi answered. “I’ll be leaving in three days.”

“So soon?”

“Yes. I’m going to go to Seoul first, so it won’t be too suspicious.”

“Alright. Maybe you should consider packing,” Mrs. Walters offered. “You can use the suitcases you used last time.”

“Alright mommy, thank you!” Kyung-mi replied, using aeygo and kissing her mom on the cheek. She then grabbed the suitcases from a storage closet and raced to her room, anxious to begin.

It seems like everything is moving so fast, Kyung-mi thought as she began to sort though her jeans and shorts. Just last week I was convinced I would be staying in L.A forever. Now, I’m going back to Seoul. It's all happening so fast.

With Kevin. She smiled at the thought, but some doubt began to find its way into her mind. Once I’m back in Seoul, I won’t be working for NH anymore. I won’t be able to see him as much as I did when working there. He’s also going to be very busy for DoraDora and the Special to Kiss Me’s promotions. Concerts, fan meetings, parties… and where will I be in the picture?

I won’t be able to take part of that. It’s possible that I won’t be able to see him due to his work. I might be stuck in Seoul while he’s touring in Tokyo. Can I handle that?

She feverishly stopped packing and checked her phone, seeing a text from Kevin.

To: Kyung-mi Walters (123-456-7890)

From: Kevin Woo (321-654-0987)

When are you leaving to Seoul?

Kyung-mi quickly typed back a reply.

To: Kevin Woo (321-654-0987)

From: (123-456-7890)

In three days :D

Are you free tomorrow or the day after?

Let’s hang out while we still can…

Before we get back to Seoul.

To: Kyung-mi Walters (123-456-7890)

From: Kevin Woo (321-654-0987)

I’m free the day after.

I’ll pick you up around 10?

Let’s just spend the day together ;)

To: Kevin Woo (321-654-0987)

From: Kyung-mi Walters (123-456-7890)

I honestly can’t wait!

I love you <3

See you soon.

====================================================================================================

That day, Hana gazed out a window of a little coffee shop. The day was beautiful – no clouds and the city was positively buzzing with people, window shopping or just enjoying the day. Then her gaze shifted to the guy who was sitting across from her.

“You look cute when you drift off,” Eli smirked, taking a sip of his iced coffee. He was sitting loosely, sprawled in his chair. “I always knew it was there somewhere…”

Hana was about to smile due to the complement, but restrained herself. I’ll play this game a little longer. She just simply shrugged.

“Jeez…” Eli laughed genuinely, running a hand through his hair. “Why do you have to be so stubborn?”

Hana swallowed, letting herself grin a little. “Just for fun. You whine like a teenager.”

“Pshh. You’re under exaggerating. I act like a little school boy.” Eli took a bite of the biscuits the two bought. “But seriously, Kevin was telling me earlier about something Dae Ho said to him.”

She nodded. “Er…” She was unsure if she should say Kyung-mi’s name.

“It’s alright…” Eli sighed.

Hana raised an eyebrow, and then continued. “Kyung-mi called. Something about how the company might reject her if they go public.”

Eli looked away. Maybe I’m really not over her. And it’s been what, I don’t know, three months? Pull yourself together.

“Hey…” Hana shuffled in her seat, unused to being the comforter. “Are you alright?” she gave his hand a quick squeeze and let go.

“Y-yeah, fine, amazing, why do you ask?” Eli snapped back to reality.

“Don’t kid yourself Eli.” Hana stared at him hard. “It’s obvious you’re still torn up about this. Maybe… you should let go?”

The man beside her didn’t respond for a minute, but he abruptly stood up and grabbed their empty coffee cups. “Come on; let’s get outta here before they say we’re loitering.”

Hana was startled at the sudden movement, but complied and helped brush a few crumbs off the table. Then the two walked out into the street. Eli suddenly grabbed Hana’s wrist and led her off… to somewhere.

“Eli, what’s wrong?” Hana said, catching up with Eli, who was brusquely walking.

Eli haphazardly pinned Hana to the alley wall, eyes dark and expression unreadable. “What’s wrong? I’ll tell you what’s wrong. I… I want you,” he growled, leaning in close to her neck. He knew that any girl would fall for that playboy line. He didn’t care – he just wanted to forget about Kyung-mi. Forget about everything.

Hana froze, surprised. But she wasn’t one of those stupid girls – she could see, clear as day, for what Eli was doing. She pushed him off her and crossed her arms. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Eli blinked, not responding. He had been acting on impulse.

“This isn’t what you… what you want Eli. You’re better then this.” Hana’s gaze pierced through whatever darkness Eli’s eyes were displaying. “To each their own on how they deal with this, but I think you should find other methods Eli.” Her gaze softened. She was attracted to Eli as well and would miss their conversations. “I value your friendship too much. Concentrate on your activities with U-KISS - With your fans. Maybe in a few years… or in a decade… whenever… just… not now.” She said firmly.

I hope he understands.

Eli leaned against the wall with Hana, and gazed at the sky. “I… I’m sorry.”

Hana glanced over and she could see he was genuinely troubled. “It’s alright.” She gave him a big hug, patting his back lightly. With that, Eli couldn’t hold it in anymore. All his hidden feelings of remorse, guilt, and sadness pooled itself into a single tear which slid down his cheek.

“I’m such an idiot Hana.”

Hana grinned, releasing herself from Eli.

“At least… you admit it.”

Eli couldn’t help but grin back.

====================================================================================

Sorry if this seemed a little filler guys! ><

But i thought it was necessary for the parents to meet Kevin. Cause thats just traditional stuff.

Double update today.

-dayturnstonight