Chapter 123: Chapter 123: Time with my Mom
Seojun sat quietly, his mind full of questions. Why did Uncle Shaun suddenly have a change of heart? Why did he regret it now? After all those years of ignoring us, why did he suddenly care enough to save Mom's life? It didn't make sense to him. He always saw his uncle as cold and uncaring even change his surname.
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For so many years, Uncle Shaun wanted nothing to do with them. Seojun remembered how his mother had begged her brother for help when things were really hard. She had asked for money, anything to help them get by but Uncle Shaun never answered. He had turned his back on them and went to the US, avoiding them completely.
As Seojun was deep in thought, his mother gently held his hand, her touch warm and comforting.
"Seojun," she said softly, making him look up at her, "I know it's hard to understand, but your uncle regrets turning his back on us when we needed him."
"He wants to talk to you soon," his mother continued, her voice full of hope. "I hope you'll treat him well, give him a chance to make things right."
Seojun's mother smiled warmly at him. "Now, let's eat before the food gets cold," she said, picking up a spoon and trying to feed him herself like he was still a little boy.
Seojun's face flushed with embarrassment. "Mom, I can do it myself. Thank you," he mumbled, quickly taking the spoon from her hand.
His mother chuckled softly, her eyes full of affection. "My son has grown up,"
As they ate, Seojun felt warmth spread through him. The food tasted better than anything he'd had in a long time, perhaps because he was sharing it with his mother. They talked and laughed, catching up as if no time had passed. Seojun felt a happiness he hadn't felt in what seemed like forever.
After finishing the meal, they continued to chat, enjoying each other's company. His mother suddenly asked, "Where have you been all this time, Seojun?"
Seojun hesitated for a moment, then simply said, "Somewhere." His tone was light, and though his mother could have pushed for more, she didn't. She just nodded, understanding that he wasn't ready to talk about it yet.
Instead, Seojun turned the question around. "Mom, how do you still look like you did last time I saw you? I think you became young and You haven't aged a bit."
His mother laughed, a light, gentle sound. "You know our family has these good genes, right?" she teased. "Besides, your uncle's goddess gave me this blessing."
Seojun raised an eyebrow. "You're an awakener, Mom?"
She shook her head, smiling. "No, I'm not. I'm just blessed to look young and have a slightly longer life. That's all."
Seojun let out a small sigh of relief, his smile returning. "I'm glad, Mom."
They continued talking for hours, sharing stories and memories, laughing about old times and discussing small, everyday things they had missed. For a moment, it felt like the world outside didn't exist. There were only the two of them, together again.
Meanwhile, in the other room, Alex, Alexa, and Huno peeked their heads around the door, watching them.
Alexa's eyes welled up with tears of joy. "Look at Seojun," she whispered, her voice trembling. "He's become so lively again."
"Just like before," Alex agreed quietly. He glanced down at Huno and gave him a gentle pat. "Good job, Huno."
Huno barked softly, just loud enough for Seojun and his mother to hear in the next room. As Alex, Alexa, and Huno realized they had been caught peeking, they exchanged a look and slowly stepped out of the room.
"Enjoy your time together," Alex said with a small smile, waving his hand. "Don't mind us."
Alexa nodded in agreement, wiping away the happy tears from her eyes. "We'll be outside if you need anything," she added, gently closing the door behind her.
With the room quiet again, Seojun turned his attention back to his mother. The joy he felt being with her again was overwhelming. His mother was the same as he remembered—kind, warm, and full of life.
"Tell me more about what happened after I left, Mom," Seojun said, leaning back in his chair, his eyes never leaving her face. "I missed so much."
His mother smiled softly and began to recount stories of the little things—old neighbors, new friends, and the quiet moments she had missed with him. Her voice was comforting, each word wrapping around Seojun like a warm blanket.
Meanwhile, Huno sat just outside the door and thought, Master looks so different now. He's smiling... laughing... but it feels different. Huno couldn't help but notice, This isn't like him at all the happiness his showing is different from when they're in the abyss. But now...
he looks genuinely happy.
[What you're seeing right now is what real happiness looks like, Seojun… he's finally having a moment where he can just be himself, without all the weight he's been carrying.] System spoke.
Huno went quiet, letting the words sink in. It was a new perspective for him. 'So, this is what makes Master truly happy?'
[Exactly, He's been through a lot But right now, with his mother, he's feeling something that doesn't come from any battle or victory. It comes from love and peace. This is why he keeps going.]
Huno's heads nodded slowly, one after the other, understanding dawning on him. 'I see…If this is what Master wants, what makes him smile… then I will protect it with everything I have.'
Several days had passed, and Seojun's behavior had noticeably changed. Whenever he was with his mother, his face lighting up with genuine smiles and laughter. But around others, he still wore his usual serious expression, his demeanor calm and composed.
One morning, as they sat together in the hotel room, Seojun turned to his mother, a spark of excitement in his eyes.
"Mom, do you want to watch the tournament later today?" he asked.His mother looked up from her tea, surprised.
"Can we?" she asked, her eyes widening with interest. Seojun smiled, his whole face softening in that familiar way he only showed to her.
"Of course, Mom. Anything for you."Just then, Alex and Alexa poked their heads in from the other room, grinning. "We're coming too!" Alexa said.