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Jiwoo was practically jumping with excitement. He was going to meet Ijin’s friends and family. Wasn’t that a strange thought. Ijin had friends! He could hardly believe it. He would get to see how Ijin has built his life. He would get to see the people that have helped Ijin become the person he is now. There was so much he could see! He would get to play games with Ijin and his friends and get to meet the grandfather that Ijin speaks so fondly of.
“Are you sure you don’t want us to go with you?” Jisuk asked as he helped load Jiwoo’s bag into the van that he was riding in to Ijin’s home.
“I will be fine, Jisuk! I trust Ijin, and I know that you also trust him so leave it be.” Jiwoo replied sternly.
Wooin nodded and placed a reassuring hand on Jisuk’s shoulder, “He is right, Jisuk. He will be fine. We both know that he can take care of himself.”
Jusik nodded reluctantly before turning around and heading back to the house. He felt he had every right to be worried about Jiwoo. He was a sweet and innocent guy that could easily get into trouble because of his naivety. Who knows how much trouble he would get into in the city that Ijin lives in? Subin gave a knowing look to Jusik and gave him an uncharacteristic hug.
“I understand your concerns, Jisuk. Heck, it is taking everything in me to keep from taking one of the Union’s cars and following him all the way there, but we have to keep in mind that that world isn’t anything like ours. Jiwoo has more experience in it than we do. He has survived in that world far longer and better than us,” she gave a heavy sigh. “We just have to trust him. He has protected us and trusted us. We need to extend that same trust to him.”
Wooin nodded and stated in a somewhat sage tone, “Jiwoo also would and could kick our butts if we mess this up for him.”
This triggered a round of laughter from Jisuk and Subin as they remembered Jiwoo’s fights. He may be considered weak in terms of power, but he was scrappy enough to take down even the fiercest opponent. He would be fine.
~~~~~
Jiwoo was nearly vibrating with excitement as the van pulled up to Ijin’s house. He was so excited to meet his grandfather and sister! He could not wait to get to know the people that Ijin loved so much. They seemed like special people and were so kind! Dayun was already standing outside the door waiting.
“Hi! You must be Jiwoo! I am Dayun!” she exclaimed in excitement.
Jiwoo excitedly jumped out of the van and bowed, “Yes! I am Jiwoo! It is wonderful to meet you!”
Ijin came walking up the street with four guys and a girl, a small smile on his face as a loud, curly haired guy ranted about Ijin’s lack of skill on video games. Jiwoo could not believe how relaxed Ijin was. He was finally getting the happiness he deserved. He had his family and friends. It was more than either of them had dreamed of when they were fighting for survival in that camp. They were finally living the life that they had hoped for with families they love. They finally had the chance to be happy. There was nothing that he would not give to make sure Ijin kept this happiness for the rest of his life.
“Jiwoo!” Ijin called when they got closer to them.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Ijin quickly hugged Jiwoo and his sister. His friends could hardly believe that Ijin would hug someone not related to him. Jiwoo, though surprised, hugged him back happily. He may be awkward around people, but he was just like his cats. He loved physical affection, but it did not always seem like it with how embarrassed he would always get with people. He was so happy that Ijin was relaxing.
“Guys! This is Jiwoo! Jiwoo, this is Yuna Shin, Sukjoo Koh, Jaehyun Lee, Yeongchan Park, and Hyeokjin Ju. They are my friends that I met at school,” he said quickly before reaching to grab Jiwoo’s bag before his sister could. “We should head inside. I am sure Grandfather is waiting for us.”
Dayun gave an excited nod and rushed inside to make sure that everything was completely set up. She knew her grandfather was excited to meet Ijin’s friend. They had never expected to have the opportunity to meet anyone that knew Ijin when he was gone. They had the chance to learn about who he was and any funny experiences that they had together. They have the chance to actually get to meet one of the people that helped shape who Ijin is.
The group moved to the table and sat down to eat. “So, Jiwoo. What was Ijin’s biggest secret where you were?” Jaehyun questioned with a grin.
Jiwoo glanced at Ijin and smiled slightly, “Well, you will have to take into account the fact that we were in a dangerous area where people will use anything they can against you. His biggest secret was that his greatest wish was to have a family and understand how those that had families felt. I am glad he got that wish.”
Dayun and Grandfather smiled and looked at Ijin, “Well we are glad that he has returned home. We dearly missed him.”
The night sped on until Ijin’s friends left for their homes and they got ready for bed. Jiwoo was glad that he agreed to come.
~~~~~
Jiwoo jerked awake, quickly taking stock of his surroundings. What woke him up? Well, that was because of a certain light hair former mercenary that was walking to the door to go outside.
“Well, well, well, who is this sneaking out?” Jiwoo demanded in a somewhat teasing yet stern voice.
Ijin gave a sigh and turned to Jiwoo, “I am going out to help someone.”
Jiwoo nodded and grabbed his coat before slipping on his shoes, “Well, let’s go!”
Ijin just gave a resigned sigh and followed him out the door. They quickly made their way to a building that has become very familiar to Ijin by now. There was not much the guards could do but nod at the familiar face they knew and let in his companion with him. They dreaded to think of why Ijin would be bringing back up. Dusik looked up in surprise as he took in the light haired boy that followed Ijin into the room.
“Brought another friend I see,” he said. “This one also freaky good at fighting? He does look a bit innocent though so he may not be.”
Jiwoo gave a smirk and said, “I wouldn’t say freaky good, but I can hold my own. “
Dusik just shook his head and turned to Ijin, “Can you help me deal with something?”
Ijin nodded with a determined look in his eye, “Of course.”
“Good! Then help me finish this ramen,” Dusik said calmly. “I bought far too much.”
Jiwoo snickered at Ijin’s shocked face before he nudged him to sit. There was not much they could do but accept the offer of food. As they ate, Jiwoo was glad that Ijin had an adult figure that knew him as he was. After all, it is hard to force a mercenary to eat when they don’t want to.