episode_0024

“Hmm~”

The previous day’s rain seemed to have cleared the sky, leaving a clean day with no clouds in sight and a clear blue sky.

In the peaceful morning of an ordinary weekend, a man was watering flowers.

“Grow up healthy~”

Min-soo, who had taken a liking to growing flowers lately, found himself without much to do on weekends, lounging on the sofa and idling away the time for a day or two.

Thinking it was time to pick up a more productive hobby instead of lazing around, he pondered what that could be but couldn’t quite decide.

As he asked around about people’s hobbies and sought recommendations, Manager Baek suggested trying flower cultivation. He mentioned having a friend who owned a flower shop and would gladly provide guidance if Min-soo mentioned his name.

Through this introduction, Min-soo learned various easy-to-grow flower species for beginners and the proper care methods to nurture them successfully.

Initially starting with a casual interest in growing flowers, Min-soo now found it to be something more meaningful than before.

“Why give up the busy urban life for farming? Now I understand.”

Watching the flowers grow as he tended to them without much thought brought him a sense of healing and accomplishment.

“It’s all about healing and life~”

While it was a relief that the sun returned safely from its field trip, there was more good news awaiting Min-soo.

He received a clean bill of health from his medical check-up!

Considering that people his age often start experiencing health issues, it was a pleasant surprise that his physical age appeared younger in this check-up.

However, amidst the joy, a slight worry lingered in his mind.

According to life’s unwritten rules so far, a streak of good luck might precede an unexpected event.

“…But what could possibly go wrong?”

Oh well.

Ring ring~

“Hmm?”

“Who’s calling this early in the morning?”

“…My brother-in-law?”

The name displayed on the phone screen was Geum Taeman.

“Sigh…”

‘Bro, living alone isn’t ideal, right? Let’s go together to a place I frequent! Spending a night forgetting loneliness and indulging in warm embraces is good, isn’t it?’

‘There’s a widow in a situation similar to yours. How about meeting her? She’s a woman I know well—beautiful face, lovely personality… Seems like she’s interested in you too. Looks kind-hearted.’

‘What did you teach Taeyang? Haha! Of course, as a man with Geum lineage, I shared the mindset you should have! Ah, you don’t have to bring gifts even if you’re thankful! It’s fine, it’s fine.’

“…”

For some reason, every time he answered the phone, it brought up tiresome matters.

Although mentally reluctant, his body compelled him to answer.

“Well, I should pick up after all…”

What can you do?

After all, he only had one brother-in-law.

“Hello?”

“Hey hey! How have you been, bro-in-law?!”

Geum Taeman’s voice echoed loudly through the speaker, almost painfully cheerful.

He truly was a consistent person.

If he didn’t see the usual side of Min-soo, he’d probably suspect something was wrong.

“I’m fine, just like always. It’s good to see you’re doing well too.”

“Of course! A man must always live confidently and energetically!”

“Haha… By the way, what’s the occasion for this rare call?”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“Bro, do you happen to like hot springs?”

“Huh?”

“No, it’s just that my girlfriend and I participated in a raffle on the way and won a group half-price voucher for a hot spring. Want to join?”

“Going with my girlfriend and friends is nice, but… It wouldn’t be bad to sweat it out with family after a long time, right? Killing two birds with one stone, seeing the sun’s face too.”

“It’s perfect that Monday is a holiday after the weekend ends, making it just right for going out, isn’t it?”

“That’s true, it’s an onsen trip after all…”

Traveling with in-laws

It’s been quite a while since I went on a trip with my father-in-law and mother-in-law.

I still remember the kindness they showed me when my wife left and how they helped me both physically and emotionally, raising Taeyangi.

Honestly, I consider them as my own parents to some extent.

They are thankful that things have settled at this level, but I can’t help feeling sorry for not doing more.

Well, it wouldn’t be bad to play the role of a son-in-law after a long time; Taeyangi would like it too.

“Not bad, right? It seems nice to go out together after a long time.”

“Oh, but just in case, I’ll ask Taeyangi if he can come too. There might be prior arrangements.”

“Haha, got it. Then I’ll ask Taeyangi and send a text.”

“Uh…”

Click

“Should I go wake up Taeyangi in his room first?

He must be very tired; maybe it’s not a good idea to bother him unnecessarily.

Does he have any plans?

It would be awkward if Taeyangi doesn’t want to go.

“Uhh…”

Pitter-patter

“!”

Taeyangi leisurely comes down from the second floor after the call ends and enters the living room.

“Oh, good morning~”

“Taeyangi, are you awake?”

“Yes, but Dad, weren’t you just on the phone with Uncle? What’s going on?”

“Oh, well…”

I tell Taeyangi about the family onsen trip plan and ask if he wants to come along.

“Oh, really? Of course, I want to go then!”

His eyes sparkle with excitement, overshadowing any previous concerns.

“Are you sure? You just came back from the school trip yesterday; going on another trip might make you very tired.”

“I think it’ll be refreshing to relax in a hot bath and unwind both body and mind, don’t you think?”

‘..When I see this, I realize he’s not a middle schooler anymore; he’s an adult.’

“Then I’ll tell Uncle that you’re coming too.”

Tap tap tap tap

Click!

After sending a message to Taeman that Taeyangi will also join, a reply comes back saying he’ll drive to our house tomorrow morning.

Gurgle

“Oh!”

“Are you hungry? Just wait a bit; I’ll put in extra effort today and make something delicious.”

“What do you feel like eating?”

“Dad, I want meat then!”

“.. We’ve been eating a lot of meat lately, so let’s skip that.”

“Huh?”

Next day

“Taeyangi, are you all set?”

“Yes, all set.”

Early in the morning, busy preparing the necessary items with Taeyangi.

“.. Do you really have to wear that Hawaiian shirt, Taeyangi?”

“Dad, have you ever seen me not wearing this shirt when I travel? It’s become a tradition.”

“Now, if you don’t wear a Hawaiian shirt and wear something else, it feels like going out naked.”

“Sigh… Alright, alright.”

“Anyway, since Uncle is almost here, let’s head out.”

We gather our clothes and belongings, head out to the front of the house.

Honk honk!

Soon enough, a X-Trax vehicle appears with blaring horns, and stepping out of it is Taeman, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt just like Taeyangi.

“Hey, Kim Taeyangi! Long time no see. Are you still hunting diligently these days?”

“Of course! Do you think I’d forget about that?”

“Don’t be surprised, Uncle. The number of hunts you’ve done so far probably exceeds three digits, right?”

“Hahaha! As expected, you make me proud as my disciple!”

“With your shirt looking like it’s about to burst, it seems like your height and muscles have grown even more?”

“As Kim Taeyangi, that’s the basic.”

“Uncle, you seem to be becoming more sturdy and manly as time goes by, don’t you think?”

“… ”

Caught between the boasting of Taeman and Taeyangi, who are showing off their muscles and bantering, I felt dizzy witnessing two people engaging in such lively actions simultaneously.

Having exchanged pleasantries after a long time, as we were about to start preparing to leave,

Suddenly, a feeling of emptiness struck me.

“..Huh?”

What’s this?

What’s happening?

Why does it

Opening the car door, all that was inside were the large bags brought by my brother-in-law.

Father-in-law and mother-in-law, even after rubbing my eyes, were nowhere to be seen.

“Taeman, where are father-in-law and mother-in-law? Did they set off separately?”

“Oh, didn’t I mention it? Mom and Dad went on a separate couple’s trip.”

“??”

What if I forget the most important thing!

…In that case,

For one night and two days,

Will Taeman, Taeyang, and I be together..?

*Cough cough!*

“…Why are you suddenly coughing, hyung?”

“Oh, suddenly I feel chills running through my body and I think I might have a slight fever.”

“To be honest, I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather since last night.”

“What should we do about this? Taking a half-body bath while having a cold could negatively affect your health.”

“I guess it’s better for me to stay behind and let Taeyang and Taenam go without me..”

“Haha, you’re really weak, huh?”

“Don’t worry? That hot spring contains various medicinal herbs that are good for the body, and it’s well maintained and clean.”

“Many people who have actually experienced its effects say that even a cold can quickly get better, right?”

“Alright, I’ll take over the driving so you can get some rest.”

“Wait a moment!”

“Dad, why are you coming now? Come here, Taeyang!”

Even though I tried to resist a bit, with both Geum Taeyang pushing forward determinedly, I couldn’t resist and was dragged along helplessly.

Someone please save me!

“The inn there is a hidden gem known only to locals, so celebrities and TV personalities also visit? Of course, there will be many beautiful people there.”

“Oh.. Uncle, you had everything planned out!”

“Hahaha! A woman with a good personality, a pretty face, and a wealthy family~! www”

“This trip is all about enjoying ourselves!”

“Yeah~!”

“…”

…Will we be able to successfully finish this trip?