"These days, Awakened ones seem like a really good path. There are fewer casualties now, public perception is great, and they're as popular as celebrities, right?"
The one who started the conversation was Sooah.
"Yeah, I guess that's true."
"They make good money too. Thinking about it, I wish I had awakened. It would've made things easier for us, right, Mom?"
Jeonghee, slightly pulling away from Sooah who had snuggled up close, put up a hand like a barrier.
"I get that being Awakened or whatever is great, but I still don't want my daughter's hands stained with blood. There are so many things more precious than money in this world."
"Like a pretty daughter, for example?"
"Whether it's a pretty daughter or a handsome son.
Anyway, what's with all the sudden cuteness today? It's a bit much for Mom."
"Aww, what's wrong with that~"
It was a natural conversation, but it was clearly a subtle attempt to lay the groundwork.
And as expected, Jeonghee's reaction wasn't very positive.
Pretending to act cute, Sooah's eyes flicked toward Soohyeok for a moment.
'I know.'
Soohyeok simply smiled, having already given up on the idea.
"All right, it's done. Set the table."
At Yang Seungbon's words, the family moved quickly.
The omelet rice looked neat, the shape carefully molded with eggs and an even drizzle of ketchup — it didn't look any different from a typical homemade meal.
But the taste was amazing. The eggs melted softly, the warm, savory rice, and the sweet scent of ketchup brought smiles of satisfaction to the family's faces.
"This is so good. You really are the best, honey."
At Jeonghee's words, Seungbon straightened his back even more proudly.
"Mmm~!"
Instead of words, Sooah let out a delighted hum as her spoon stayed busy.
Soohyeok also ate without falling behind.
After such a great meal, Seungbon immediately started preparing gimbap for their picnic lunch.
"Lunch means gimbap! Gimbap means lunch! I'll help!"
Sooah stepped up.
Soohyeok rolled up his sleeves too.
It was partly out of guilt for letting Seungbon do all the housework since morning.
But the results weren't great.
Both siblings produced gimbap that fell apart, burst open, and were rolled unevenly. They exchanged awkward smiles.
"I appreciate the effort, but I'll handle this alone. Go watch TV with Mom."
Jeonghee, who had been resting after doing the dishes, waved the two off.
"See? I told you we'd just get in the way. Come on."
"Okay…"
Unable to argue further, the siblings meekly followed.
***
Before noon, the family visited Hangang Park as planned.
They went in Seungbon's over ten-year-old domestic compact car — a vehicle he hardly drove these days because of parking and gas worries. Sitting in that familiar old seat from his childhood, Soohyeok felt a strangely comforting scent.
'Still… I wish I could buy them a new car someday.'
Of course, it was just wishful thinking.
They hadn't even gotten their housing situation under control yet.
The view of Yeouido Hangang Park when they arrived was beautiful.
The sight of the river after so long, and the relaxed time lying in the grass made everyone feel content. They didn't need to do anything special to have a good time.
Even the gimbap they ate for lunch was delicious.
Despite being misshapen and falling apart, the ones Soohyeok and Sooah made still tasted good, thanks to Seungbon's seasoning of the rice and ingredients. As they say, food that looks good tastes better — so the ugly rolls were discreetly eaten by the ones who made them.
They lay down, drank instant coffee they brought from home, chatted while watching people walk by — and the afternoon flew by.
Before dinner, they packed up and headed to a movie Sooah had reserved.
It was a patriotic Korean film set before the country's independence, the kind that stirred national pride. The whole family enjoyed it.
"This is why I can never like Japanese politicians."
When Seungbon grumbled, Sooah, her expression indignant, agreed.
"So annoying. I don't know if it's because the film was good or if people are really like that."
"There are people like that. There's no smoke without fire."
Jeonghee added in agreement.
'These days, though, there's smoke even without fire…'
Soohyeok thought, but didn't say it out loud.
There was no reason to play the villain in this atmosphere.
Besides, he really had been angry watching the corrupt Japanese politicians in the film.
'If I ever get the chance, I'd love to do something about stuff like that…'
Though for now, it still felt far out of reach.
After the movie, they headed to a Korean buffet in the same building.
Given their current financial situation, it was a bit expensive for them, but Soohyeok had insisted, lying that he borrowed money from Sooah just to get them to go.
Despite the financial strain, it was a good experience — especially since it was a place even the older family members could enjoy. The mood during dinner was great.
Though Seungbon's home cooking was better, the wide variety and convenience of the buffet gave it high marks.
And the rare experience of eating out made the family even more cheerful.
"Anyway, since I borrowed money from Sooah, I think it's time I start working again."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes. I've had enough rest, and I feel like I've recovered physically too."
Hearing Soohyeok's declaration during dinner, his parents nodded.
"I'm so grateful you're willing to try again."
Instead of apologizing, Seungbon simply said thank you with a bright smile toward Soohyeok.
The dark shadow on his face from the first day had faded quite a bit.
They were still struggling, but they were bright. The stability of a family meant that much.
"But if it gets too hard, make sure you tell us, okay?"
With Seungbon holding back his worries, Jeonghee stepped in for him.
"Honestly, I was kind of jealous that you were just lounging around, but good for you."
Sooah deliberately threw cold water on the strangely heartwarming atmosphere forming between the others.
Because of the joke, the family was able to finish their satisfying meal without getting too serious.
"I'm heading to the restroom."
Right after, Sooah got up and walked toward the exit.
The rest of the family, who had been about to rise, decided to wait a bit longer and turned their gaze toward the window.
'The day's almost over.'
Looking at the darkening sky and the city lights beyond the buffet window, Soohyeok let out an unconscious sigh of regret.
Maybe it was because it had been so long since he'd had a day this relaxing—it felt all too short.
"Son, why are you sighing?"
Seungbon picked up on it and asked.
"I just feel a little sad."
"About what?"
"Time passing by."
At Soohyeok's words, Seungbon made a thoughtful face and turned to look outside with him.
"Are you becoming like your dad? I'm worried now," Jeonghee chimed in jokingly. "Being too sentimental is exhausting, you know."
In the awkward silence, Soohyeok added:
"No, it's just… everyone's busy, and I get it. Still, while working at the publishing house, I've been writing a little something on the side. I don't know if anything will come of it… but if I'm lucky…"
Seungbon wiped the brief shadow from his face and smiled brightly.
"Sorry, Dad. Maybe I shouldn't have brought it up."
"No, it's fine. I'm saying this because things are good. Really. Anyway, where did that brat Sooah go?"
They'd spent a decent amount of time chatting and looking out the window.
Feeling uneasy, Soohyeok stood up.
"I'll go wait for her up front."
"Wouldn't it be better if Mom went?"
"It's fine. It's not like something major could be happening in the bathroom."
With a light smile, Soohyeok headed off.
"Where's the restroom?"
"Oh, if you head out this way…"
The employee answered with a polite smile.
Since the Korean buffet was on the 7th floor of the large building shared with the cinema, the restroom was located outside the restaurant.
Following the directions, it didn't take even two minutes before Soohyeok saw the restroom sign.
That's when he began to hear Sooah's voice.
"…Get lost."
Her voice was low and cold.
It didn't sound like the cheerful, happy girl from earlier in the day.
"You crazy bitch. You really got a death wish, huh? 'Get lost'? You think you're hot shit?"
A high-pitched, agitated voice snapped back.
Soohyeok's steps quickened instinctively.
He saw three women surrounding Sooah.
'What the hell…?'
Soohyeok frowned deeply.
"You trashy bitch, where do you think you're raising your head like that, huh?!"
The woman standing directly in front of Sooah raised her hand high.
Without hesitation, Soohyeok moved. With the flowing motion of Taegeuk Eight Trigrams Step, he slipped through the crowd and grabbed the falling wrist.
"What the hell?!"
The startled woman shrieked and turned her head.
'Perfume.'
Maybe it was because he'd seen her trying to hit Sooah, but the first impression was far from pleasant.
Heavy makeup. Overpowering perfume. So strong it made his stomach churn.
Her face was the kind that some might call pretty, but it lacked natural charm.
To Soohyeok's eyes, it was clear that various implants and cosmetic procedures had altered her features.
"Looks like she's using Reverse Illusion Technique."
Reverse Illusion Technique was a martial art from the Hwan Continent that altered appearance. At low levels, it could change part of the face. At advanced levels, it could transform someone's whole body—skin tone, physique, everything.
Based on what he was seeing, the woman's appearance resembled a second-rate illusion spell at best.
Despite his cryptic words, the woman locked eyes with Soohyeok, her expression oddly mixed.
She looked like she was glaring, but somehow… her breathing seemed uneven.
It was like her makeup-covered cheeks were starting to blush.
'What is with her?'
As Soohyeok began wondering how to shut this down without escalating things, he found himself oddly thrown off.
"…Who are you? Why are you butting in all of a sudden?"
The woman—apparently the one using the second-rate illusion—finally spoke.
Soohyeok didn't answer. He looked at Sooah, who had been silent this whole time.
'Are you telling me to pretend I don't know you?'
Her eyes burned with intensity, conveying a clear message.
Even if it wasn't exact, he got the idea.
They were siblings, after all. They could read each other to that extent.
Still, Soohyeok ignored her plea.
"I'm her brother."
"O-oppa!"
At his firm declaration, Sooah raised her voice.
At the same time, the woman with the artificial-looking face—who had just moments ago seemed oddly flustered—twisted her face into a scowl.
"Yang Sooah's brother?"
"I told you to stay out of this!"
"How can I? You were about to get hit—"
Soohyeok narrowed his eyes, his expression turning harsh.
'She already was hit.'
'Sooahs cheek was red and slightly swollen.
There were clear signs of an earlier slap.
Soohyeok's eyes flared with anger.
"You monster—using a half-assed Reverse Illusion Technique…"
His fury exploded in an instant.
The force from his glare alone seemed to crash down on the woman's shoulders like a physical weight.
As Soohyeok moved his arm, the woman shrieked as if in pain.
"KYAAAAAH—!"