Zuri was making her rounds in the hospital as part of her student nurse duties when she unexpectedly ran into Mrs. Kim. Mrs. Kim's presence in the hospital wasn't a surprise considering Mr. Kim's ongoing chemotherapy treatment, but Zuri hadn't anticipated a personal encounter.

Mrs. Kim's face lit up as she saw Zuri. She approached with an animated energy, embracing Zuri in a warm, almost overwhelming hug. "Zuri, my dear, how wonderful to see you here!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine affection.

Zuri, caught off guard, returned the hug, albeit a bit awkwardly. "Mrs. Kim, it's good to see you too. How is Mr. Kim doing?" she inquired, trying to steer the conversation towards a more neutral topic.

Mrs. Kim's expression softened with a mix of concern and hope. "He's fighting hard, dear. We're staying optimistic. And how are things with you and Suho?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Zuri's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure if Suho had told his mother about the complexities of their relationship and their recent struggles. She hesitated before answering, "We're doing well, thank you."

Mrs. Kim beamed, seemingly pleased with the response. Then, with a conspiratorial gleam in her eye, she leaned closer. "Actually, Zuri, I have something to discuss with you. A wonderful opportunity."

Zuri listened, intrigued, as Mrs. Kim explained about an internship opportunity in Seoul, Korea. "It's with a friend of mine, a renowned healthcare professional. It would be an incredible experience for you, and it would look fantastic on your resume."

The offer took Zuri by surprise. Seoul was halfway across the world, and while the opportunity sounded incredible, it also seemed overwhelming. She was about to politely decline when Mrs. Kim added, "And don't worry about the expenses. Our family would be more than happy to cover your trip, accommodation, everything."

Zuri's mind raced with the implications of this offer. Accepting it would mean spending time in Suho's home country, possibly even with his family. They had been dating for eight months, but their relationship had been anything but straightforward. Was this Mrs. Kim's way of bringing her closer to the family? Or was it a test of some sort?

"Mrs. Kim, that's an incredibly generous offer. I'm...I'm not sure what to say," Zuri stammered, her thoughts a whirlwind of excitement and apprehension.

Mrs. Kim placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Take your time, dear. Think about it. It's a wonderful chance to broaden your horizons, and we would love to have you closer to the family."

Zuri nodded, her mind still processing the conversation. As Mrs. Kim excused herself to attend to Mr. Kim, Zuri stood there, contemplating the offer. It was an opportunity of a lifetime, but it also meant diving deeper into the complex world of her relationship with Suho. Would going to Seoul bring them closer, or reveal more rifts than she was prepared to handle?

Zuri's new apartment in Buffalo, New York, was modest but filled with a sense of new beginnings. The one-bedroom space, bathed in natural light from the large window in the living area, offered a cozy ambiance. The walls were a soft, inviting cream, and the wooden floors gave off a warm, lived-in feel. Her small kitchenette, though lacking space, was efficient, with shiny countertops and modern appliances. The living room was just big enough for a small sofa and a coffee table, leading to an open balcony that overlooked the bustling city streets. Her bedroom, a sanctuary of sorts, was spacious enough for her queen-sized bed and a small study area.

As her parents, Zion and Esha, along with her brother Jordan, helped her settle in, the apartment slowly transformed from an empty space into a reflection of Zuri's personality. Books lined the shelves, and a few framed photos and art pieces, some depicting powerful social justice messages, adorned the walls.

Zuri hesitated before broaching the subject of Mrs. Kim's offer, her mind still wrestling with the implications. "So, Mrs. Kim offered me an internship in Seoul," she started cautiously, watching as her family paused in their tasks.

"Damn, how come I never get to do anything exciting," Jordan complained, twirling a loc around his finger as he plopped onto the sofa.

"Because you're lazy as hell," Zion retorted without missing a beat, pushing the mattress onto the bed frame with a grunt.

Esha, unpacking Zuri's books, chided him gently. "You could've put that in a nicer way."

"And still have it be true? You crazy?"

Jordan smirked, pulling out his phone, thumbs dancing across the screen with an urgency reminiscent of a squirrel grabbing nuts before the cold settles in for winter.

Zion, not deterred, turned to Zuri. "Anyway, this is a great opportunity, and you should take it. We support you 110%."

Zuri rubbed her arms nervously. "There's something else... Suho and I had a little falling out," she admitted, her eyes drifting to Esha reprimanding Jordan for letting out a loud belch.

Esha, unable to handle his sass any longer, fired him a look filled with so much contempt, that for a second he froze and then crumpled like a tin can.

Zuri turned towards the window, her gaze lost in the cityscape. "It's nothing," she muttered, a hint of sadness in her tone.

"The hell," Zion pressed, mimicking her voice in a playful yet concerned manner, "'We had a little falling out, but I'm not going to say what happened.' Sounds to me like a big falling out."

"Or poor sex!" Jordan bellowed before turning his attention back to his phone.

Zion turned around, grabbing a pillow off the bed, and fired it at him with precision that rivaled a sharpshooter.

The blow knocked his phone from his hand, sending it sailing across the room. "I told you to keep your damn comments to yourself, damn it."

Jordan cursed and whined as he cradled his phone.

Zuri shook her head. "It's really nothing like that." She looked away again, the familiar ache in her chest returning.

Esha, placing the last book on the shelf, joined the conversation. "Zuri, we're here for you. Whatever it is, you can tell us."

Zuri sighed, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes. "It's just... complicated. With Suho and this internship, everything feels overwhelming."

Jordan, who had been silent, chimed in. "Is this about that rich Korean dude you've been seeing? What's his deal?"

Zuri shot him a look, "Jordan, it's not like that. It's just... our lives are so different. And now, with this opportunity in Seoul..." She trailed off, lost in thought.

Her family's questions and concern resonated with her, the gravity of the situation pressing on her heavily. But deep down, a part of her felt a faint sense of resolve, as if this was what she was meant to do.

Zion walked over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Zuri, life's about taking chances. Maybe this internship is a sign. A chance to figure things out, for both of you."

Esha nodded in agreement. "Exactly. And if things with Suho are meant to be, they'll work out, no matter the distance or differences."

Zuri felt a sense of warmth envelop her, grateful for her family's unwavering support. She looked around her new apartment, her new beginning, and felt a surge of determination.

"You're right," she said, a newfound resolve in her voice. "I'll consider the internship. And as for Suho... I guess time will tell."

"Well can you hurry it up, and figure it out, I'm starving!" Jordan said rude and annoying as ever.

Their expressions hardened simultaneously as Esha and Zion turned, glaring daggers at him. Jordan took it all with a swig of his Red Bull. Zuri could only imagine he got his personality from their parents.

"I'm just saying!" He proclaimed, waving his can with a jolt in the air.