(LeoN/NEO) The World of Us

[Chapter XXXI] Companions

"I'm going back home first to see how dad is doing. Maybe you can show Hongbin around town?" Hakyeon suggested to Jaehwan.

"No way. I'm coming with you." Hongbin persisted. He was rather wary about Jaehwan and didn't feel exactly safe around the all mighty God. So he stuck close to Hakyeon.

"Guess we have no choice huh? Kong here doesn't want to be left alone with the nice ol' me." Jaehwan joked around as he placed his arms around Hongbin and trying to scare the younger even more.

Hakyeon couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Jaehwan trying to pick on the younger because Hongbin didn't seem too used to Jaehwan's personality yet. Hakyeon used to joke around like Jaehwan when he was younger as well but he's changed. Too many things have happened for him not to change and before he realized it, there was already no turning back. He just didn't know how to joke or boast anymore like he used to. He was once so carefree in order to hide his own dark side but now, he wanted to mature. At the same time, he wanted to find ways to strengthen himself.

On their way to Pinewoods, Jaehwan told Hakyeon that he had to be stronger and train more in order to make sure that he wouldn't be consumed by the darkness immediately after they arrived at the Underworld. Jaehwan taught both Hongbin and Hakyeon how to meditate their minds and strengthen their mentality. None of them knew how long their trip would be on the other side, so one way or another, going back to Pinewoods was a way for them to relax.

"Dad! I'm home!" Hakyeon said as soon as he got home.

He hasn't been back home since he left Pinewoods three years ago. He's hesitated a few times and wanted to come back but he was afraid that he didn't want to leave if he came home. He's only ever written letters to his father but seldom got any reply. Hongbin's father, on the other hand, made sure to write back to Hakyeon to ensure that the boy knew his father was alright.

"Welcome home," Hongbin's father came out from the kitchen.

"It's been awhile, uncle. Thank you for everything." Hakyeon bowed.

"No need. You should've said something if you were coming home. Your father just went to rest, so it's best not to disturb him." He said.

"Dad!" Hongbin shouted as soon as he entered after Hakyeon.

"Hongbin! Quiet down. Why are you here as well?"

"Uh... Hakyeon said he wanted to come home for a visit so I came along as well. And to see you too," Hongbin ran up to his father and gave him a hug. Sure Hongbin can be quite bold and cold with others, but he loved and respected his father greatly. Hakyeon couldn't help but be envious of the two's relationship. If only his father was back to the way he was, he could give his father a hug too.

"Well, make sure you don't fool around while you're here okay? This is Hakyeon's home after all. By the way, you two must be hungry right? It takes a long time to get here after all. Go ahead and rest while I prepare some food for you two." Hongbin's father said.

"Make that three sir!" Jaehwan suddenly popped in from behind.

"You are?"

"I'm Hakyeon's friend! I used to live here in Pinewoods as well. At the Starlight Inn!" Jaehwan said excitedly at the notion of food being prepared.

"Oh, my. I've heard about you and your brothers from the folks here before. But you guys disappeared. What happened?"

"Oh, nothing. We just decided to go back home to our parent's. That's all." Jaehwan lied.

"I see. Well then, I guess I'll make double the portions for us all. It's going to be a full table tonight."

"Thank you, sir!" Jaehwan said as he grabbed Hongbin along to help Hongbin's father with the food preparations.