Chapter 197: The Doll of Red Castle
The next day, upon his arrival in Seoul, Geon fulfilled his promise to Yoonhee and Jie. Having watched movies and taken photos at home, Geon asked them to post these on social media after his departure to the United States.
As time flowed swiftly amidst various preparations, the day of departure soon arrived. Taewoo drove Shihwa and Yeongha to the airport, where they bid farewell to Geon with smiles, only to turn around and wipe away their tears afterward.
Geon’s departure was due to his determination not to return until graduation. Though he wanted to look back several times, he feared he wouldn’t be able to leave if he did. He also didn’t want to show his mother and sister his vulnerable side, so he walked ahead without looking back, trying to be heartless.
Only when seated on the airne did Geon wipe the tears streaming down his face, seekingfort in music.
After a long flight, Geon arrived at New York''s airport, took a taxi, and was greeted by the ck taxi driver with a friendly smile.
“Oh, you’re Asian. Are you here for a visit?”
Despite wearing sunsses and a mask, Geon’s uncovered ck hair prompted the driver to initiate a conversation. Geon shook his head and replied,
“No, I’m a student studying in New York. I’m just returning from a visit home.”
“Ah, I see. Your fluent English suggests you''ve been studying for a long time. So, where can I take you?”Checking his watch, Geon noted it was just past three in the afternoon.
“Please take me to the Bronx Zoo.”
“Sure, on our way.”
Arriving at the Bronx Zoo after a lengthy drive, Geon paid the taxi fare and nced at his watch again.
‘Still about an hour before closing.’
Leaving his luggage at the entrance, Geon felt liberated as he inhaled the familiar air of the Bronx Zoo.
“Hmm~ Ah! The nostalgic smell. Ha! Maybe it''s been too long, but I didn’t notice the smell of animal feces when I lived here.”
With not much time left, Geon sprinted up the hill leading to the zoo. Reaching the tiger enclosure, he shouted enthusiastically,
“Py!“
Identifying Py, a tiger with a long scar across its eye from dominance fights, was not difficult among several tigers.
Py, initially indifferent to Geon’s shouts and waves, soony down, seemingly uninterested.
Disappointed that Py didn’t recognize him, Geon cautiously removed his hat, checking his surroundings.
After making sure no one was around, Geon took off his mask and sunsses, shouting again,
“Py! It’s me!”
This time, Py, who had been swishing its tail in annoyance, looked up and after a moment, sprang up, running towards Geon, stopping at the cliff between the enclosure and the viewing area.
“Py! I''ve missed you!”
Geon waved frantically, and Py paced back and forth, clearly wanting to approach but hindered by the cliff. Eventually, Geon turned to leave for Ricky, waving goodbye.
“See youter!”
As Geon walked away, Py let out a howling cry.
“Kuhuhuhung!!!”
Startled, Geon waved back once more before moving on.
Reaching Ricky''s enclosure, Geon called out excitedly. Ricky, recognizing Geon’s voice, stood up on two legs and roared.
“Kwooo!!”
Geon, familiar with Ricky from childhood, was not frightened. He stretched his arm as close as possible to Ricky, expressing his joy and asking about Ricky''s health.
“I have to go soon today, Ricky. I also need to see Shihwa. I’lle back soon. Just wait a little longer!”
Geon waved and ran off as Ricky let out a long call,
“Kuuuuuu.”
Ricky watched Geon’s departing figure intently. Arriving at Shihwa''s enclosure just before closing time, Geon was greeted with enthusiastic jumps from Shihwa.
“Shihwa! Big brother’s here! How have you been?”
“Ukkikikiki!!!”
Shihwa, expressing joy, suddenly ran off, returning with two young goris, lifting them high into the air.
Geonughed heartily, realizing they were Shihwa’s babies.
“Shihwa, are these your babies? Really? You became a mother? Hahaha!”
Waving at the gori babies, Geon felt a sudden sadness for arrivingte.
“I came toote, I should havee tomorrow. Shihwa, I’ll visit again. Take good care of yourself and the babies, okay?”
As Geon waved goodbye, Shihwa banged on the ground and cried out,
“Ukkikikiki!!!”
Shihwa continued to gaze long after Geon had disappeared. Just before the zoo closed, Geon retrieved his belongings and was about to call his mother when he noticed a missed call from Professor Sharon.
“Huh? It''s from Professor Sharon.”
Dialing back, Sharon answered almost immediately.
“Hello? Kay?”
“Haha, Professor. I''ve arrived in New York.”
“Oh, good. I was wondering since you hadn''t called yet. Where are you?”
“I''m at the Bronx Zoo. Came to see the animals.”
“Hmm, I''m a bit jealous. Youe back to the US and head straight for the animals.”
“Haha, it''s not like that, Professor.”
“Just kidding. Have you found a ce to stay? After the incident, you sold your house and moved to the zoo before going back to Korea.”
“No, I''ll be at a hotel for a few days. My agency said they’d arrange a ce for me.”
“Your agency? Ah, Fantagio, right? You became quite the topic with that model auction.”
“Yes, Professor. And my former manager is moving to the US soon, so we’ll probably live together.”
“That so? Do you have dinner ns? I have something to discuss.”
“No, I''m free. Professor, please treat me!”
“Haha, sure. How about we go to B.B. King for old times'' sake?”
“Wow, yes! What time shall we meet?”
“It''s five now, so how about six-thirty?”
“Okay, Professor! See you then!”
After hanging up, Geon smiled to himself.
‘I should go early and greet Sambho and the staff.’
Upon arriving at B.B. King Blues Club, a line of people was waiting to enter for the evening performance. The club had be even more popr after Geon’s performances there became a global sensation during his stay in Nepal.
As Geon attempted to enter, bypassing the line, a security guard stopped him.
“You need to wait in line. Look at all these people waiting.”
Geon looked around and approached a security team leader he recognized.
Recognizing Geon, the team leader quickly nodded and allowed him inside, surprising the security guard who initially stopped him.
“What’s going on, Boss? Someone you know?”
“Shh, it’s Kay.”
“What? Really?”
“Keep it quiet!”
Inside, Lillian approached Geon, asking for the number of guests. Recognizing him, she eximed with surprise and called for the boss, Sambho, who greeted Geon warmly, inviting him into the office.
“So, you''re back for good, Kay?”
“Yes, I’ll be staying here again.”
Their reunion was filled with joy and anticipation for Geon’s new chapter in New York.
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