Preparing for Departure 

In the Kang family household, the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene in the living room. Boxes and suitcases lay scattered around the room, each filled with the essentials that Joon-ho would need for his journey to NexaCorp Korea University. Eun-ji, Joon-ho's mother, moved about the room with purpose, her brow furrowed with worry as she checked and rechecked the contents of each bag.

"Joon-ho, are you sure you've packed everything?" Eun-ji asked for what felt like the hundredth time, her voice laced with concern.

Joon-ho, sitting on the couch with his phone in hand, looked up and offered a reassuring smile.

"Yes, Mom, I've got everything," he replied, trying to sound confident despite the nervous fluttering in his stomach.

Eun-ji sighed, her maternal instincts kicking into overdrive as she surveyed the room again.

"I just want to make sure you're prepared, sweetheart. It's a big step, moving away from home for university," she said, her voice softening with emotion.

Joon-ho nodded understandingly, his feelings of apprehension tempered by his mother's unwavering support.

"I know, Mom. And don't worry, I have double-checked everything already," he said, mustering up as much enthusiasm as he could.

Eun-ji smiled, her worries momentarily eased by her son's optimism.

"I know you'll do so, Joon-ho. Just remember to take care of yourself and stay focused on your studies," she said, her voice tinged with pride.

As the final preparations were made and the time for departure drew near, Eun-ji couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of her son leaving the nest. She hugged Joon-ho tightly, holding onto him as if she never wanted to let go.

"I'll miss you, Joon-ho," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Joon-ho returned his mother's embrace, feeling a lump in his throat.

"I'll miss you too, Mom. But I promise to call and visit whenever I can," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

With one final embrace, Joon-ho gathered his belongings and made his way to the door, ready to embark on the next chapter of his life. As he stepped outside, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension, but he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would always carry his mother's love and support with him.

As Joon-ho stepped out into the bright morning sunlight, he glanced around the quiet neighbourhood, taking in the familiar sights that he would soon leave behind. His father, Min-joon, was notably absent from the farewell scene. The reason for his absence was the demands of his job, which required him to report to work by 8 in the morning. The constant juggling act between family responsibilities and work commitments had become a routine for Min-joon.

Inside the Kang family home, the ticking of the clock on the wall served as a reminder of the passing time. Eun-ji, still feeling a mixture of pride and sadness, gazed out of the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of her husband sitting back from work. The absence of Min-joon added a layer of bittersweetness to the farewell, a testament to the sacrifices made for the family's well-being.

Joon-ho, aware of his father's dedication to his job, tried to reassure his mother.

"Dad wished he could be here, but he had to go to work. You know how it is," he said, offering a comforting smile to Eun-ji.

Eun-ji nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding.

"Yes, your father wanted to make sure everything was in order at work before taking time off. It's just how things are," she replied, a touch of sadness lingering in her voice.

Despite the absence of Min-joon, the Kang family had tried to make the farewell as special as possible. The love and support they shared would remain a source of strength for Joon-ho as he ventured into this new chapter of his life. With a final glance back at his childhood home, Joon-ho closed the door behind him, ready to face the journey that awaited him at NexaCorp Korea University.

As Soo-jin stood in her childhood home, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of her family, she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness about the upcoming departure. In the adjacent room, her father, Jung-hee, was bustling around, double-checking the list of items that Soo-jin was supposed to bring to NexaCorp Korea University. He had taken the day off work for this occasion, his worry evident in the furrow of his brow and the tightness of his grip on the checklist.

"Soo-jin, are you sure you packed everything you need? Don't forget your toiletries and your extra blankets," Jung-hee called out, his voice tinged with concern.

Soo-jin chuckled softly, her heart warmed by her father's attentiveness.

"Yes, Dad, I've got everything. You've asked me that at least five times already," she replied, a fond smile playing on her lips.

In the living room, Soo-jin's mother, Chun-hei, was engaged in a heartfelt conversation with her daughter, offering words of wisdom and encouragement for the journey ahead.

"Remember to eat well, get enough rest, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it," Chun-hei said, her gentle voice filled with maternal warmth.

Soo-jin nodded, absorbing her mother's advice with gratitude.

"Thanks, Mom. I'll make sure to take care of myself," she replied, feeling a surge of love and appreciation for her parents.

As the Kim family gathered together for one last moment before Soo-jin's departure, the air was filled with a sense of love and support. Despite the bittersweetness of saying goodbye, they knew that Soo-jin was embarking on an exciting new chapter of her life, one filled with endless possibilities and opportunities.

With hugs and well-wishes exchanged, Soo-jin bid farewell to her family, a mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling in her heart. As she stepped out into the world beyond her childhood home, she knew that she carried with her the love and support of her family, a guiding light to illuminate her path forward.

The departure of a child for university marks a significant milestone in the life of any family, a moment filled with both pride and apprehension. For parents like Min-joon and Jung-hee, the decision to send their children off to pursue higher education is a testament to their sacrifices and aspirations for their future.

Min-joon, torn between his responsibilities and the desire to spend more time with his son, grapples with the necessity of returning to work. He knows that his absence during this crucial moment is a sacrifice, yet it is one that he makes willingly, knowing that it is for Joon-ho's future. As he bids farewell to his son, there is a mixture of pride and sadness in his heart, proud of the young man his son has become and saddened by the inevitable separation that comes with it.

On the other side of the fence, Jung-hee takes a day off to ensure that his daughter's transition to university life is smooth and seamless. He meticulously checks the list of items Soo-jin is supposed to bring, his heart filled with a father's worry and love. Every double-check and reminder is a testament to the depth of his care for his daughter, wanting nothing but the best for her as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.

As Joon-ho and Soo-jin prepare to leave their respective homes, the emotions are palpable. It's not just a departure; it's the beginning of a new journey, both for the children and their families. The house, once bustling with laughter and chatter, feels strangely quiet as they gather their belongings and prepare to leave.

In every gesture, whether it be a sacrifice or a day off, lies the profound love and support that parents shower upon their children as they navigate the uncertainties of adulthood. As Joon-ho and Soo-jin step out into the world, they carry with them the unwavering support and encouragement of their families, who stand behind them every step of the way, cheering them on as they pursue their dreams and aspirations.

As the moment of departure draws near, the atmosphere in both households is tinged with a sense of bittersweet anticipation. For Min-joon and Eun-ji, watching their son embark on this new chapter fills them with a mix of pride and nostalgia, reminiscing about the years gone by and looking ahead to the future with hope and trepidation.

Similarly, for Jung-hee and Chun-hei, seeing their daughter take this next step evokes a flood of emotions, from excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead to a twinge of sadness at the thought of their little girl leaving the nest.

Amidst the flurry of preparations and last-minute reminders, there is an underlying sense of unity and support within each family. They may be physically apart, but their hearts are intertwined, bound by the unbreakable bond of family.

As Joon-ho and Soo-jin bid farewell to their childhood homes and set off towards the unknown, they carry with them the love and blessings of their parents, a beacon of strength and guidance as they navigate the challenges and adventures that await them in the world beyond.