The Kpop Otaku's Dream

"Who is this?"

Before Irene can answer, I get off my bike and hurry towards her dad.

"Good day, I'm Ire... Joo-hyun-ssi's new desk-mate. Dylan Park. I gave her a lift home as I didn't think it was safe for a girl to travel alone. And it was also a way for me to pay her back for taking care of me so kindly today"

I bow and show my sincerity towards him.

I realize that this is an opportunity. If I play my cards right, and get her dad or mom on my side. Then I can have way more reason to interact with her. The best defense is offense.

"Aigoo, nice to meet you. Did you move here with your parents?"

"No sir, I'm here alone. I just moved into the apartments at xxxx yesterday."

We walk to where Irene is standing and he gives her a hug. They seem like a harmonious family. I'm reminded of the fact that I never experienced such warmth ever in my life and a gloomy smile seems to have made its way onto my face.

"Well sir, I'll get going"

"Lad, where do you think you going? Come inside and have supper with us, its not the Bae's family way to send a friend home without saying thanks"

"There is no need for that sir. I have food at aaaah"

He grabs me anyway and pulls me towards the gate. I look towards Irene and she's looking at me with eyes of pity. Seeing that, I know its going to be troublesome.

"Honey! I'm home!. And I have a surprise"

A lady comes out from inside. She seems to have been busy making dinner as she's wearing an apron and theirs signs of cooking over her hands. Looking at her face, she's really pretty. This old man was quite lucky to have married her. She looks just like an older version of Irene. Their is no doubt that its her mother.

"Yah! why are you shouting. Omo and who is this, why didnt you call and tell me we were having a guest"

I feel slighty uncomfortable. And look towards the floor.

"His not my guest, honey. His your daughter's"

Irene tries to raise her voice in protest but it is surpressed by he mother's question.

"What do you mean?"

He turms and nods to me, I guess this is my cue. I repeat my introduction from earlier word for word including the bow.

"Oh Dylan is it, you'll be staying for dinner. I hope you like Seolleongtang ( ox-bone stew)"

I've never had it before but I lie through my teeth and express excitement. Mrs Bae, seems happy with my reaction.

Irene then leads me to the living-room. Before going to help her mother in the kitchen while her dad goes to his bedroom to change. I sit on the coach not knowing what to do with my hands. Fidgeting, its just so awkard right now.

After a while a luxurious table is set with various side dishes is set. Her mom seems like she is really proficient in the kitchen. It looks even better than some restaurants, They seem to have gone the extra mile since a guest is here but play it off as just a 'couple of extra things'.

Irene heads to her room and is calling her younger sister. Little was known about her in her previous life so i'm a little curious. Not long after, I see a cute 12 or 13 year old with pig tails enter the lounge

Its clear to see that she's a little beauty and when she matures she will probably steal a few hearts. She doesn't look like the loli version of Irene I was expecting. She has a uniqueness about her. And if her current height is anything to go by, she's about 1,5m already. She will definitely be taller than Irene by the time she's 16.

"Waaah, mom whose birthday is it?"

"Chae-hyun, we have a guest"

She notices me for the first time and I smile at her and wave.

"Yaaaah, Unnie is he your boyfriend? His super hot!"