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Scene:37

Old money be the ocean

Setting: Haeundae District

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The drive from Gimhae Int'l Airport to her grandparents' home was very relaxing. Sori, who still had jet lag, was asleep in the back seat next to Ahri, while Ahri was excitedly engaged in a soft conversation with her enthusiastic parents.

When she gazed outside at the coastal scenery, she recalled the last time they were in Haeundae District, Busan, which was four years ago. She almost forgot how beautiful the beaches were. Her dad was truly excited to see his wealthy parents again.

Ahri always teased her dad about his spoiled and privileged chaebol childhood. His grandparents owned lots of beauty companies across South Korea. Her parents came to Busan two years ago for their granddad's 70th birthday.

She was 25 and completing her PhD, and Sori was busy for 15 years with her final grade 10 examination. They were both too busy to accompany their parents for three weeks. But her grandparents always visited them four times a year, each visit lasting for a month.

This was the long-awaited vacation that had been planned for a month. Sori was super excited to be again in BTS land and experience Korean culture and entertainment. She already had a whole itinerary plan for when they are in Seoul in a week.

They'll be attending Hobis Seoul concerts, and she was so nervous to meet his family and the chaotic tannies.

When Ahri looked around the luxurious neighborhood, it felt like they were driving straight into a glossy lifestyle magazine. This area was screaming old money.

The enormous mansions stretched before them, one more opulent than the other, with trees that were lined up, green hedges towering over wrought iron gates, landscaped gardens, immense crystal-clear water fountains, and even walls that were crowned with discreet security cameras.

Ahri's eyes were wide. "Woah, the homes look like luxury hotels."

Her dad smirked, "Yeah, your grandparents built a new mansion in this new lifestyle estate. It's safe and secure. They moved in four years ago. This occurred eight months after we left for the US.

Sori stirred and awoke suddenly, looking disoriented when she pressed her furrowed face against the window.

Sori whistled in shock as she turned to Ahris' amused face. "Omg! Unnie, these houses are ridiculously huge, like the LA celeb homes. Could it be possible that you were on a street with hotels? She asked, flabbergasted.

Ahri smirked and shook her head. "Nope, they're just Halmeoni's neighbors. Dad said they moved to a better neighborhood...you must see the inside. Halmeoni sent me a few pictures of the house. You must see the inside. It's magnificent."

Her mom's blue-grey eyes sparkle as she turned from the front seat. She looks so relaxed and happy. "Don't exaggerate it too much, Ahri."

Ahris's eyes widen. "Mom, Grandma's house literally has an elevator."

Sori snickers. "Obviously...our grandparents already are fossils."

"Sori!" her dad interrupted warningly, but with an amused glint in his eye. "

"But it's true, Harabeoji is 72 now. That is the age of grave touches...just saying. " Sori pouted; the family just chuckled and hoped Sori remembered the honorifics she was taught; otherwise, her parents would reprimand her for neglecting her duty.

Then they walked through a massive private wrought iron gate, adorned with exquisite bouquets of vibrant flowers. A breeze carried the faint crash of waves.

Their mom had a faint smile on her coral-coated lips as she inhaled deeply. "Hmm, I can smell the ocean from here." She sounds so dreamy that the two sisters chuckle in the back seat, so excited to be back in South Korea, where they can rekindle their Korean culture.

Ahri suddenly missed her famous boyfriend. She hadn't heard from him since she landed, but she's sure he was very busy with rehearsals in the studio. He told her that he'll talk to her when he's calm and relaxed, but he will wait patiently for her while she enjoys her time in Busan with her family.

Their rental SUV arrived in the driveway. The girls could just stare wide-eyed at the magnificent sight. T
It didn't disappoint. It was a stunning three-story house. Sori could scream when she saw windows on the roof.

"Oh my goodness! Grandma got arthritis. Can I have a room in the attic, Mom? Like Cinderella. " She gushed, her light brown eyes glowing with glee.

Her mom smiled at her youngest's enthusiasm. Sori will drive here in Korea, as she's about to graduate high school and come and study in Seoul. She will have a special entrance test in two weeks at Seoul National University. One of the SKY universities.

When they parked on the cobble driveway in front of the huge mahogany and glass doors, their grandparents were waiting on the steps with wide eyes.

Ahri couldn't wait to get out of the car; it hadn't even stopped correctly when she flung open the door and, jumping out, ran squealing towards her grandmother's outstretched arms, like she had done since she was a little girl. With Sori on her trail.

"Ahri-girl," her grandma squealed as she embraced both granddaughters. Ahri's grandma had a stylish grey hairdo and was a beautiful woman. Her dark almond eyes were glimmering with happiness to see her beautiful granddaughter. Ahri looked just like her grandma and her dad.

Halmeoni! Ahri breathed against her gran's chest as she wrapped her thin arms around her grand familiar warmth. Her gran opened her arms and wrapped Sori into the group hug.

"Ah, my babies, you both are so tall and prettier." She pulled back and studied them with admiration. Their dad just smirked and stood with his father while Gran doted on her granddaughter.

She smiled within; she saw Soris's hair. "Sori...are you still into K-pop with that pink head of yours? It suits you so well, though your golden locks were a sight to behold. And Ahri, my little art genius...hmm, you are glowing. A little birdie told me you're no longer a single Pringle."She brushed over Soris's curly do. Sori just grins as both of them turn to their regal granddad.

Ahri just grinned.

Her grandpa warmly wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Our little Americans," he said proudly, with his English in a heavy Korean accent. He was filled with pride toward their family.

"Harabeoji," Sori grinned, "your garden is so pretty."

Her granddad also hugged her and laughed, saying, "Of course." I have to compete with the Chois. We Kangs never lose."

Her grandma just rolled her eyes as she hugged her daughter-in-law and said softer. "Dear, you've lost weight...well, we can't have that here." She clicked her tongue; her mom only smiled warmly as she bowed respectfully. Her mother-in-law understood the challenging phase of her career when she became a partner in a highly esteemed law firm.

They all rush into the house. Ahris's dad and granddad were outside with the luggage. He just shook his head when the women in his life vanished into the grand entrance. Grandma looked at her housekeeper. "Hani, quickly prepare tea and sweet cakes. We will go to a Korean BBQ restaurant tonight.

Sori whisper to Ahri,"I've got a feeling well going to be spoiled rotten and I'm all for that!"

They were pleasantly surprised by the luxurious living room's elegant design when they entered the opulent entrance room. Sori and Ahri could just stand and behold the glory of old money.
In the living room was a soft cream-colored sofa with plush cushions in the center.

A round black coffee table was holding books of travel and art, a decorative gold tray and a vasecwuth fresh pink roses out of the flower garden,  Ahris eyes gazecat tge kdftvand she saw a pale pink accent chair with gold details, adding a feminine  touch.

Ahri grinned, "Dibs on the chair!" Ahri rushed to the chair and plopped down while Sori groaned in response. Her parents were all seated on the cream sofa.

Sori sighed, "For this week only..."

Ahri just laugh as she notice the rest of the space.

In the far back there was a large dining table with black leather chairs; vases with flowers served as centerpieces. The room has floor-to-ceiling arch windows adorned with soft dove grey curtains, allowing natural light to flow through.

These windows contribute to the brightness of the space. Shelves with different books are on display; her grandad is an avid reader and academic. The whole house had a sophisticated vibe. And she loved it.

Her grandparents are humble billionaires in Seoul but very respected, and they were even among the top 20 business empires that we invited to the presidential inauguration. Let's just say her granddad is friends with the new president's older brother, who is a chairman of a tech conglomerate.

They got a tour around the magnificent house, and behold, Soris's bedroom was in the attic, where she could take the stairs and the elevator. Her room was all pink, cream, and white. The room was tastefully decorated according to her preference, as her grandma always asked her what she wanted in her bedroom. A beautiful traditional hanbok, given as a gift, was on her bed.

Ahri's room was on the second floor, with a pool view. Her room had also accent of pink but was adorned in white furnishings and light grey walls. She could even see some of the blue ocean through the palm trees on her grandparents' property. Her room was functional, neat, and tactful. There was a drawer filled with snacks.

A place where she could plug in and charge her laptop when she is in bed. A pastel blue and yellow hanbok was on her bed also. The room smelled magnificently of lavender and roses. There were three shiny ribboned gift boxes. There were additional gifts from the grandparents.

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By 5pm the Kangs went to Busan Korean BBQ restaurant near the beach in Dalmaji Hill. The scenic coastal road was filled with cherry blossom trees. It looked like a pink fantasy world.

It was a wonderful evening, relaxing with the family. Ahris's grandparents were delighted when they found out she was dating. They were a little concerned about her having no prospects in the marriage's future.

She was 27 years old, and according to her grandma, she should've been married with two toddlers. Ahri just smirked because it seemed like her grandparents forgot their son also married late in life. She even asked her parents not to tell them her boyfriend was a Korean idol. And their posters/billboards were everywhere, especially for Hobi's sold-out shows and for the members that will be discharged in a few days.

Sori even asked her granddad if he could take her and Ahri to a café that belongs to Jimin's family. It was a coolplace for ARMY with lots of BTS and Jimin memorabilia. Maybe she could see Jimin's parents. That would be so cool.

The family sat across from each other. Ahri and Sori sat together so that they could talk freely. Their parents and grandparents sat across the aisle from them, having soft conversation. Ahri and Sori looked very trendy with off-the-shoulder tops. Ahri was dressed elegantly in a powdery pink top and white maxi skirt with pale pink slipped-in sandals, a wicker handbag with flowers, and her hair smooth and loose. Sori had a black top on with a mini white skirt with lace edges, her black sneakers, and a silver handbag.

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Scene 38

Rumours seved hot

Settings: Restaurant in Dalmaji Hill

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The restaurant was a little crowded, but the family was very relaxed. The atmosphere in the city restaurant smells thick with the aroma of grilled beef and sizzling garlic. Sori and Ahri sat at a cozy booth with an array of banchan between them. They could hear the low chatter of the patrons and clinking of glasses. Most customers drank soju, even across the aisle their parents drank soju.

Ahri and Sori were immersed in the excitement.

Sori was expertly turning the meat with tongs, her red lips in a big smile, her eyes sparkling as she watched her sister drinking her favorite Sprite, a love of the drink like her boyfriend. , "Are you looking forward to the HIPTRUST Seoul concert in a week?I swear I'm counting the days already."

Ahri nodded as she poured more Sprite in her glass. "I'm nervous to meet you-know-who." Seoul shows will hit different because they're homegrown and local. Army is crazy at shows.

Sori leaned in and whispered, luckily an very old couple sat behind Ahri, "And by then the military members will be discharged. The upcoming reunion will be truly epic. I'm telling you. The maknaes will look like men. Can't wait to meet JK."

Ahri chuckled softly as she ate some of the kimchi. "Hmm, seems you're already plotting a meet and greet."

Sori clicked her tongue. "Plotting? Girl, it's manifesting! Regardless of the circumstances, I will meet them. Mr. Hiptrust told me. It's already decided. Dah!" She taps her straw in her strawberry Boba tea like she's sealing a business deal.

Ahri just shook her head while they enjoyed the sizzling beef strips on lettuce.

Unbeknownst to them. A few tables in the same section as them but further in a corner booth, three trendy local teen high schoolers sit with an older woman, probably one of their moms, sharing a grill. But the three girls' attention is far away from the tasty food in front of them. They were stealing glances at the pink-headed Sori, who looked like an idol—that's how beautiful her visuals were. Ahris' back was turned to them.

Teen 1 leans in and whispers, "Okay, just tell me I'm not crazy, but isn't that the girl who looks like 'Mona Lisa girl' from Chicago? Dispatch had her pics published a few weeks ago. Do you recall the KBS segment where paparazzi mobbed her?

Teen 2: "Really... you think so... she looks prettier in person." She discreetly steals a look at the giggling Ahri.

Teen 3 whispering quickly, "Remember the leaked NDA from Hybe that went viral? The initials were K. A. It is practical, her name. "

Teen 2: "Nobody knows her real name but calls her K.A., the NDA queen."

Teen 1: "Oh my word! And if that NDA was real...then she's definitely dating Hobi. I mean, who else would—"She paused with raised eyes at her friends' awed expressions.

Teen 2: completed her statement "...need that top level of secrecy? Exactly. And remember, she's been spotted in similar venues before. This is so suspicious.'

Teen 3 smirked, "They were together at his shows; she took fan pics also, and I remember the pink-headed one with the American Army. You think they're talking about him right now. She's smiling so much..."

Teen 1: And the pink-haired girl is either related or friends, but she looks our age. I keep hearing them mentioning BTS, and the pink-haired girl talked about meeting a JK."

Teen 2 shook her head firmly. "Okay, that's it! It's either a coincidence that the girl resembles her and is in Busan, or we are witnessing the evidence!

Back at Soris's table. Sori was acutely aware of the girls in the corner that were more than subtle surveillance.

Sori grinned as she took a sip from her drink; a mischievous glint was in her eyes.

She leaned forward, but keeping her voice low, "Ahri, it seems our little audience are still discussing us. They've been watching us like we're part of a K-drama season finale."

Ahri shrugged, unbothered, too busy cutting a piece of samgyeopsal. "Let them talk.It's probably more entertaining than whatever's on TV."

Sori furrowed her brows. "Aren't you concerned? Because seriously, you'll make news again. They're discreetly taking pictures. Taking a pic without permission is against the law here. I can see the phone angles as if they were taking selcas of themselves."

Ahri smirked as she drank the last soda. "Should I wave or blow a kiss...or keep the mystery alive?"

Sori gave her a deadpan look, then smirked, "Oh, keep the mystery alive. Let the moon write about you on Twitter. The suspense will eat them alive.'

They just giggle softly.

At the girls' table. The whispers were not stopping at anytime. The excitement was tangible.

Teen 3 smiles triumphantly as she puts her Samsung down and picks up her chopsticks. "I just got a pic. I'm going to zoom in later. I took a pic from the mirror's reflection of her full face. She is gorgeous. If it's her, we've literally just caught K. A. and her pink-haired friend with her."

Teen 1: Looks more like a sister; they came with those people across from them. So it might be family."

Teen 2: Are you going to post it? Or will you keep it in the group chat?

Teen 3: Keep it for now? We don't want to blow our cover...oh gosh, if this goes public... She whispered-yelled.

Teen 1: "Yeah yeah...it would be bye...bye denials. Oh, Hobi-stans are going to lose it. That man is literally the hottest topic right now."

It was almost 8pm, and the Kangs were done eating. When the girls got ready to go, Sori noticed sly cameras directed at them.

Ahri smirked mischievously as she picked up her soft weave tote; she turned so her face was visible to the gasping girls. She flipped her hair over her shoulders, and when she caught their faces with the other patrons who looked at her stunning features, she followed Sori out of the restaurant with her grandparents in tow.

At the teens' table, they were exhaling loudly.

Teen 2: OMG!

Teen 1: I took a full facial. How lucky are we going to get? Our YouTube channel is going to blow up with Army followers. Dispatch is going to pay thousands just to get this pic..."

Teen 3 smirks, "Let's wait until the rumor is confirmed...then we'll be the only ones who have a full pic of her. We're not going to be censored because we are not media."

Teen 1 looked like she was going to pass out.

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Scene 39

Bubble baths and butterflies

Settings: Back home

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At home, the family continued to enjoy their time together by watching a popular KDrama that did not have subtitles. By 10 p.m., Ahri had taken a hot bubble bath and clothed herself in her VS silk shorty PJs with adorable hearts. Sori was already in bed by 9pm, mostly to talk to her two chaotic friends, Piper and Nova.

Ahri was just ready for bed when a notification got through. Her phone was off the whole day. She had several missed calls and unread text messages.

The most beautiful smile grazed her lips. It was the love of her life. She sent him a message, and immediately he was online.

Hobi: "Hello darling. I missed you so much. Is my baby free to talk?"

Ahri felt the weight of it. The sound of his voice weighed heavily on her shoulders. "Miss you too, yes—"

She quickly jumped under her pink duvet, and then she was comfortable and relaxed.

Her boyfriend's return from filming a variety show with Sana of Twice fills her with excitement...

Hobi:How's my girl doing? Did you enjoy the day in Busan?

Ahri: Yes, a little jet lag, but we're all thrilled to be here with my grandparents. We're back after four years. It was truly a refreshing change of place. How was your schedule?"

Hobi: Gosh, sweetheart, I was so tight. I had a shoot early this morning for a magazine cover at 5am, then from 6am to 12pm, six hours of rigorous rehearsal with the dancers at the studio. From 12 pm till 2:22 pm I had a radio interview, and then afterward I had to run to my live shoot with Sana. It was a misplaced, intriguing day. My phone was misplaced, but it was in my LV sling bag the whole day. Mr. Lee and my manager had my back to keep me from distractions.

Ahri grinned.

Ahri: "Yes, you too are glued to that phone."

Hobi chuckled, "It's because I can't stop looking at your picture, and I love you so much, Ahri. My manager knows my weakness- you."

Ahri sighed in awe, "I love you too, sweetie. You must have a good night's rest. You need to recoup."

Hobi: "First...my parents are visiting me here in Seoul, and they want to meet you and your family for lunch at my place. So, inform your parents and grandparents.You're meeting the whole Jung family for a Korean-style lunch."

Ahris's breath hitched.

Ahri froze: "So, I'm meeting your family officially... I'm so nervous.

Hobi laughs. "Yes...officially, but brace yourself for Jiwoo's interrogation."

Ahri breathes out, "She sounds so scary."

Hobi chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm scarier than her..."

Ahri could hear his fatigue."Baby, you sound so exhausted. Let's talk tomorrow morning, okay? I love you so much, but you need to rest. Did you eat?"

Hobi sounds cheerful. "Yes, at a restaurant near Hybe. Okay then, I love you. Sleep tight and dream about me...

Ahri giggles, "I'll try..."

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A/n : Ahri is in Busan

Thank you for your constant love toward this ff.
Kindly vote and comment.

1. What are your take on the chapter?

2. What do you think about the Kang family?

3. Do you think her grandparents were surprised about her dating?

4. What do you thinkmabout the fans?

5. Do you think more people will recognize Ahri?

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Hot Hobi and cute Sana