Days turned into weeks, weeks into months. Christopher tries every day to get back to Monja, back to his loving blabbering mother, back to his brother David, back to his son; but even so he grew accustomed to the life of Jin-Woo and Seoul. He pushes aside the nagging guilt about his own family, focusing on the steaming bowl of ramen Jinah placed before him.
Jinah: *She beams at him, chopsticks poised over her own bowl.* Oppa, you've been quiet lately. Something on your mind?
In Germany, Jin-Woo is trying to get back to his own life too. Raids, leveling up, his friends and Jinah, his kid sister; but he's starting to grow accustomed to Christopher's life. He understands why Christopher's smile is only genuine when he's speaking to Monja. He glances at a photo of Monja on the computer screen, a pang of unfamiliar longing resonating within him.
Christopher: *He picks up his chopsticks, stirring the noodles thoughtfully. The familiar scent of the broth, usually comforting, tonight feels strangely bland.* Just thinking about work. It's been… hectic.
Neither of them will rest until they are where they have to be. The shimmering dust, the echo of the three-headed bird's screech, the feeling of displacement – these are the constant reminders of the unfinished battles, the broken lives waiting to be mended. Not to mention the creatures added to Christopher's quickly growing list.
Jinah: *She narrows her eyes, unconvinced* You know you can talk to me, right., Oppa? You've been, acting… different.
Christopher: *He sets his chopsticks down with a clatter. A flicker of irritation crosses his face. He's tired of this charade.* Different how?
Jin-Woo pulls his eyes away from the computer screen and made his way towards the close door of his office slash room, to reveal Christine, a thunderstorm in human form, holding a wailing baby. The scent of baby formula and something acrid, like burnt sugar, hangs in the air.
Christine: *She thrusts the baby towards him.* Where's the formula? I told you to get the special kind! He won't stop crying!
Jin-Woo stares at the screaming infant, a wave of panic washing over him. He has no idea what 'Special kind' she's talking about. Dungeons were easier to navigate than this.
Back in Seoul, Christopher pushes away his ramen, his appetite gone. He looks at Jinah's worried face, a pang of guilt twisting in his gut. He misses his own family, his own life. He's trapped in a glided cage, surrounded by unfamiliar comforts, and the bars are closing in.
Jinah: *She reaches out, touching his hand gently.* Oppa… you're really scaring me.