Parents

Ethan was taken aback when he heard his two cats talking to him, surprisingly supportive of the idea of him going to the academy. "But if I go, what will happen to you?" he asked, concern etched on his face, his mind racing with thoughts about leaving his furry companions behind.

Oliver, the more confident of the two, replied with a reassuring tone, "The academy is just 20 minutes away, so you can go back and forth every day. Plus, they allow pets and have dormitories, so you won't have to leave us behind. You'll have the best of both worlds!"

Ethan mulled over Oliver's words, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety bubbling within him. After a moment of contemplation, he decided to call his dad, Minho. He grabbed his phone and dialed, the familiar ringing filling the silence of the room. The phone rang twice before Minho's warm voice came through the line. "Ethan, is everything okay?"

Taking a deep breath, Ethan felt the weight of his emotions settle in his chest. "I miss you, Dad," he replied, his voice tinged with longing. He then went on to explain the whole situation, detailing his newfound powers and the incredible opportunity to attend the academy. He had always been open with his family, never liking to hide anything from them. They had always been his support system.

To Ethan's surprise, Minho responded in a way he hadn't anticipated. "I understand, Ethan. You can move forward. I want what's best for you." His father's words filled him with a mix of relief and gratitude.

Ethan was taken aback, his brow furrowing in confusion. "You don't have any more questions? Just that?" He let out a nervous chuckle, adding, "Why do I seem more worried than you?"

Minho laughed softly, his tone comforting. "I don't have more questions because I trust you, Ethan." He paused for a moment, carefully considering his words. "Besides, I've seen a lot of strange things in this world. This is just another one. The most important thing is that you're safe and well."

Hearing this, Ethan felt a wave of emotion wash over him. He realized he had been worrying excessively and felt a bit foolish for it. After ending the call, a rush of happiness and excitement filled him. He turned to Shadow and Oliver, sharing everything with them, including his plans to search for Seojin the next day.

What Ethan didn't realize was that if he told his parents about Shadow and Oliver, their reaction to his attending the academy would be vastly different.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Ethan's mother, Eun-ji, had been listening intently. After he hung up, she turned to Minho with a furrowed brow, asking, "Shouldn't you tell him the whole truth?"

Minho considered Eun-ji's question carefully, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Not yet; he's too young to know everything. Besides, his grandparents will take care of him, even if he doesn't realize it."

Eun-ji sighed, her concern evident in her expression. "But will they recognize Ethan? They never wanted to be part of our lives." She sighed again, whispering anxiously, "If it weren't for me…"

Minho stood up upon hearing this, taking his wife's hand in a comforting gesture. "Of course they'll recognize their grandson. No matter how much they deny it, the kids and we have had shadows watching over us all these years."

He paused, the weight of his words sinking in. "I just never expected that between Suzy and Ethan, Ethan would be the one to inherit the family genes. That's one of the reasons I never told them anything; after all, Suzy only inherited super intelligence—she wouldn't know about the powers unless we told her." Minho chuckled at the memory, a warm smile crossing his face as he said, "Don't worry; he'll be fine. We'll all be fine."

Eun-ji, still concerned, asked, "But what if the people at the academy recognize Ethan? After all, he looks a lot like you."

Minho, seemingly unfazed by her worries, responded confidently, "It's fine. I can protect my family, and I've always been ready for the day they find us." He paused, thinking for a moment, and added, "Besides, Jinwoo is the president of the academy now. I bet that hothead hasn't changed a bit, he is a good man".

Eun-ji finally smiled, reassured by Minho's words. "I understand," she confirmed, her anxiety slowly dissipating as she realized the strength of their family bond.

Unbeknownst to Ethan, his parents were keeping a significant secret from him and Suzy, a truth that could change everything. As he daydreamed about the academy and the thrilling adventures that awaited him, the echoes of their conversation loomed in the background, hinting at mysteries yet to unfold. The warmth of familial love enveloped him, yet the shadows of undisclosed truths lingered, waiting for the right moment to emerge and alter the course of their lives forever.

With each passing moment, Ethan felt a growing sense of anticipation and excitement for what lay ahead. The prospect of joining the academy ignited a spark within him, one that made him eager to learn about his powers and discover who he truly was. Yet, deep down, a quiet whisper reminded him that some secrets, no matter how well-intentioned, could shape his reality in ways he had yet to comprehend.