Click.
Siwoo picked up the intercom receiver and asked, "Who is it?"
A familiar voice crackled through the speaker.
(Who? Siwoo? It's me. Your Uncle Sam-jung.)
Uncle Sam-jung?
"Ah!"
Park Sam-jung.
He was an old colleague of Siwoo's father, having worked together in artifact excavation. A close friend and junior of his father, he was someone who often visited their home, so Siwoo knew him well.
"Hold on a second."
Siwoo pressed the button on the intercom, unlocking the door downstairs with a click.
"Dad! Uncle Park Sam-jung is here!" he called out.
A creaking sound followed as a door opened.
"Huh? Sam-jung's here?" Jin-ho, Siwoo's father, stepped out of his room. His hair stuck up slightly, a sign that he had just woken up.
"Dad, your hair."
"Oh? Right."
He ran his hand over his head to smooth it down.
Just then, the front door swung open with a clunk, and in walked a solidly built man.
"Hyung-nim, I'm here."
Park Sam-jung was dressed in a sharp black suit—almost like a CIA agent from the movies. It wasn't far off the mark, considering they knew he worked for the government, though the specifics of his job remained a mystery.
Jin-ho eyed him and scowled like a bulldog.
"You always just drop by without notice?"
"You're always home in the evenings anyway."
"Ahem. I can be busy too, you know."
"Come on, Hyung-nim. You don't even have friends to meet at night."
"What did you just say?"
Jin-ho's voice rose, but Sam-jung ignored him, turning instead to Siwoo with a rustling black plastic bag in his hand.
"Here, Siwoo."
"What's this?"
"Saw some tangerines being sold out front. You and Siyeon should enjoy them."
"Ah! Thank you. We'll eat them well."
"Good."
"Hello, Uncle!" Siyeon greeted brightly.
"Wow, Siyeon, you've grown even prettier! But hey, I told you to call me Uncle, not Mister."
Jin-ho scoffed. "And where do you get off acting like you're family?"
Sam-jung chuckled. "Hyung-nim, you and I may not have been born from the same mother, but we're practically brothers."
"Oh, please."
"Anyway, Siwoo, I heard you became a Hunter?"
"Yes."
"You punk! Congratulations! You should've told me sooner!"
"It's not that big of a deal."
"Not a big deal? You're the first in the world to earn a double title!"
"So what? I still have monster phobia."
"Eh, still better than working a desk job."
"That's true."
"Anyway, congrats!"
"Just words?"
"Heh. I'll get you a nice gift later."
"I'll be waiting."
"Good."
After finishing his exchange with Siwoo, Sam-jung turned his attention back to Jin-ho, who eyed him skeptically.
"So, what brings you here?"
"Just wanted to chat with you."
"Aren't you busy?"
"Even if I am, you come first, Hyung-nim."
"What a sentimental fool. Fine, come in."
"With pleasure."
"Siyeon, two cups of coffee."
"Okay."
Jin-ho led the way into his study while Siyeon busied herself preparing the drinks.
A short while later, she placed the tray down with a clink.
"Enjoy."
"Thanks, Siyeon."
Jin-ho took a sip, letting the warm coffee moisten his lips before speaking.
"So, what's bothering you this time?"
Sam-jung smirked playfully. "Hyung-nim, you're always like a child lost at the water's edge. Of course, I worry."
"Cut the crap. Is this about Kang Myung-jun?"
"That's part of it. And now that I hear Siwoo has become a Hunter, I doubt Myung-jun will sit still."
"Hmph. I figured. Lately, I've noticed another set of eyes watching our house."
"Oho, Hyung-nim, your instincts are still sharp."
"Did you think I'd go dull?"
"Not at all. You're one of a kind."
"Then why the hell have you been keeping me under surveillance all these years?"
Sam-jung's playful demeanor disappeared, replaced by a serious expression.
"Why the sudden change in attitude?" Jin-ho teased, but Sam-jung's eyes remained unwavering.
"Hyung-nim, do you know how many people owe their lives to you? Every single one of us thinks we're in your debt. But Myung-jun—no, that bastard—"
Sam-jung's voice rose, but he exhaled deeply, forcing himself to calm down.
"Even now, when I think about what happened to Sister-in-law… it tears me apart."
Jin-ho's face darkened. "Why bring that up?"
"Hyung-nim, before that incident, Myung-jun deliberately sent all of us—your juniors—out of the country on business trips. If even one of us had been here…"
"Enough. What's done is done."
"No, Hyung-nim. That bastard is pure evil. If just one of us had been in contact with you back then, Sister-in-law wouldn't have…"
"Sam-jung."
"Yes, Hyung-nim."
"Let's stop."
"…Alright."
Sam-jung exhaled hotly, his expression still full of anguish. He shook his head, trying to steady his emotions, then met Jin-ho's gaze again.
"I know how strong you are, Hyung-nim. But that demon could pull anything. If I fail to protect you again… I don't know what I'll do."
Jin-ho let out a gruff chuckle. "You idiot."
The words were rough, but his tone wasn't. He felt an undeniable warmth toward this junior of his—this man who had never abandoned him.
Though many of his subordinates had struggled to rebuild their lives after returning from exile, Sam-jung had risen through the ranks of the government, securing a high-ranking position. And through it all, he had never stopped watching over Jin-ho.
Jin-ho knew that Sam-jung's so-called 'surveillance' was nothing more than an act of silent protection. He had long decided to let it slide.
"Anyway, Hyung-nim, I truly congratulate Siwoo."
"Yeah. Thanks."
"But are you sure about this?"
"You mean Siwoo?"
"You know Myung-jun won't leave him alone."
"So what? Siwoo has monster phobia. Even Myung-jun isn't reckless enough to go after damaged goods."
"You really think so?"
"And he's my son. He's not some fool who'll let himself get stepped on."
Sam-jung finally smiled, his tension easing.
"Fine. Then let's celebrate. How about some soju?"
"Now that's the best thing you've said all day."
They laughed, their worries temporarily set aside, and headed toward the kitchen.