𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍. you know i'm no good

THE EVENTS OF THE PREVIOUS NIGHT were a hazy, painful blur in Jieun's mind. The room around her was a comforting sanctuary, a reflection of Robby's personality. His bed, with its dark blue sheets and soft pillows, was neatly made, a stark contrast to the chaos she had left behind. Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow over the room, making it feel safe and inviting.

As Jieun lay there, she could smell breakfast being made, the comforting aroma of eggs and bacon wafting up from the kitchen. It was a small reminder of normalcy, a soothing balm to her frayed nerves.

She sat up slowly, her body still aching from the previous night's ordeal. Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the details, and finding comfort in the surroundings.

Before she opened the door, she heard voices drifting up from downstairs. Carmen and Johnny were talking, their tones hushed but filled with concern. She paused her hand on the doorknob, listening to their conversation.

"I'm worried about her," Carmen said softly. "She looked so broken last night."

Jieun stood just behind the door, her heart pounding in her chest. She could hear every word of the conversation downstairs, her body tense as she listened to the conflicting voices of Johnny and Carmen.

"She can't stay here, Carmen," Johnny said, his tone sharper than before. "We don't even know what kind of trouble she's involved in. Last night was just a taste of it."

Carmen's voice was steady, calm but firm. "Johnny, she's a good girl. She's been through so much already. We can't just turn our backs on her."

Johnny scoffed. "You don't know that. For all we know, she could be bringing danger right to our doorstep. To Robby, to Miguel... to you."

Carmen sighed, the sound of a chair scraping against the floor indicating she had taken a seat. "I trust her. Miguel trusts her. And Robby... well, you saw how he was last night. He cares about her deeply. We can't just push her away."

Jieun pressed her back against the wall, trying to steady her breathing. Each word from Johnny felt like a punch to the gut, but Carmen's unwavering support was a lifeline she clung to desperately.

"Yeah, well," Johnny muttered, "just because they like her doesn't mean she's not trouble. You didn't see the look in her eyes last night. She's hiding something."

Carmen's voice softened, but there was an edge of steel to it. "Everyone has secrets, Johnny. But that doesn't mean we should abandon them. We're better than that. We're family."

Jieun's legs felt weak with relief, her body sagging against the doorframe. She wiped away the tears that had silently fallen, her heart filled with gratitude for Carmen's steadfast belief in her.

As she gathered her strength to finally step out, she heard Carmen's voice again, softer now, almost a whisper. "She just needs a chance, Johnny. A chance to heal, to find her place. We all do."

Jieun took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped into the hallway. She descended the stairs quietly, her mind swirling with a mixture of fear and hope. As she entered the kitchen, Johnny and Carmen looked up, their conversation halting abruptly.

Carmen smiled at her, the warmth in her eyes a stark contrast to Johnny's wary gaze. "Good morning, Jiji," she said gently. "How are you feeling?"

Jieun swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. "Better," she managed, her eyes flickering to Johnny, who was watching her intently.

Johnny grunted, his expression inscrutable. "We made breakfast. You should eat."

Jieun nodded, taking a seat at the table. As she reached for a piece of toast, she felt a surge of determination. She would prove to Johnny that she was worth trusting, that she wasn't the danger he feared. She would fight to stay, to find her place among these people who had shown her kindness when she needed it most.

Carmen placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, her touch reassuring. "You're welcome here, Jieun. For as long as you need."

Jieun's heart swelled with emotion, the tears threatening to spill again. She took a deep breath, steadying herself, she took a seat at the table, feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful.

She poked at her pancakes, trying to muster an appetite. She glanced at Carmen, who was bustling around the kitchen, and then at Johnny, who leaned against the counter, his expression inscrutable.

"So," Johnny began, his voice carrying a hint of a smirk, "rough night, huh?"

Jieun looked up, meeting his gaze. His tone was light, but there was an edge to it, a hint of skepticism that made her stomach twist. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Johnny," Carmen chided gently, shooting him a warning look. "She's been through a lot. Give her a break."

Johnny held up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm just saying. We don't know much about her. All I know is she's got Robby all tied up in knots, and now this... whatever it was last night."

Carmen turned back to Jieun, her expression softening. "Don't mind him. He's just being protective. He likes you, really."

Johnny snorted.

Jieun looked up, meeting Carmen's eyes with a grateful smile. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Johnny's gaze softened slightly, but he remained silent, sipping his coffee with a thoughtful expression.

Jieun sat awkwardly at the table, aware of every pair of eyes on her. The table, normally situated in the kitchen, was now in the living room, displaced by a leak in the ceiling. Pipes protruded grotesquely from the ceiling, dripping foul-smelling liquid into a collection of pots and pans scattered on the floor. The room was a symphony of dripping water and creaking pipes, an unwelcome backdrop to the morning.

Carmen broke the silence, her voice gentle but insistent. "Honey, are you okay? You seemed really upset last night."

Jieun hesitated, glancing around the room at the expectant faces of everyone, who showed out of nowhere and took their seats while she was in her thoughts. She felt a lump form in her throat as she gathered her thoughts. The memory of Yujin's blood on her hands and the crumpled letter from her father weighed heavily on her.

"I..." Jieun began, her voice faltering. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Last night was... it was a lot."

Robby reached across the table, his hand resting on hers. "Take your time," he said softly, his eyes full of concern.

Jieun nodded, squeezing his hand for strength. "Someone broke into my house," she started, her voice trembling. "I thought... I thought I was being attacked. It turned out to be Yujin. He was... he was trying to warn me."

Miguel leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Warn you about what?"

Jieun swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their gazes. "My father was involved in some dangerous things. He left me a letter and Yujin was trying to get it to me, but things... things got out of hand."

Johnny's expression hardened, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "What kind of dangerous things?"

Jieun met his gaze, her voice steady despite her nerves. "He was involved in some very secretive and dangerous work. I didn't know the full extent of it until last night."

Carmen's face softened with understanding. "You must have been so scared."

Jieun nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I was. And now he... he's in the hospital because of me. I didn't know who he was at first, and I... I hurt him."

Rosa, who had been silent until now, reached out and gently patted Jieun's hand. "It's okay, mija. You were just trying to protect yourself."

Jieun sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "It's just... everything is so overwhelming. I don't know what to do."

Johnny leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

Jieun sat awkwardly at the table, aware of the eyes on her. The smell of breakfast— eggs, bacon, and toast —competed with the stench of sewage. Jieun's eyes roamed the room, noting the displaced furniture and the exhaustion etched on the faces around her. She picked at her food, feeling like an intruder in their lives.

Carmen's hesitation hung in the air like the stale scent of the leaking sewage. The apartment, already teetering on the edge of collapse, seemed to groan under the weight of another impending crisis. Carmen's gaze lingered on the protruding pipes, the makeshift array of pots and pans, and the discolored ceiling that spoke of deeper structural woes. The sound of dripping water punctuated her thoughts, each drops a reminder of their precarious situation.

She looked down at her swelling belly, a reminder of the new life she was bringing into the world. The added responsibility was a constant hum of anxiety beneath her maternal instincts. How could they manage another person in this already strained environment? Her thoughts wandered to Miguel, who was preparing to leave for college, a milestone that brought pride and a tinge of sorrow. He would soon be carving out his own path, away from the chaos of their home.

And then there was Robby. He was still figuring out his future, teetering between the remnants of his troubled past and the uncertain possibilities ahead. Could he really handle the added emotional and practical burden of Jieun's presence and problems? Carmen's heart ached with the weight of these considerations, her love for her family battling with the cold, hard reality of their circumstances.

She glanced at Jieun, who sat quietly, picking at her breakfast with a mix of gratitude and guilt. Carmen could see the desperation in her eyes, the silent plea for sanctuary. Jieun had already been through so much; turning her away felt like a cruelty Carmen wasn't sure she could live with. But the practicalities loomed large. Their apartment was falling apart, and every corner of their lives was already filled with stress and uncertainty.

Johnny's silent skepticism added to the tension. He stood by, protective and wary, his instincts telling him to shield his family from further complications. Yet even he, with his rough edges and gruff demeanor, couldn't completely hide the flicker of concern for Jieun. He knew how much she meant to Robby and Miguel, and that fact alone made her presence here a complicated necessity.

Carmen's mind raced through the myriad of challenges. A baby on the way, a son on the brink of independence, another still finding his footing, and now Jieun, with her own set of crises. Could they really support her without falling apart themselves? The love and determination that bound this family were strong, but so were the forces threatening to pull them apart.

In the midst of this internal storm, Carmen knew one thing for certain: they had to try. Despite the leaking ceilings, the financial strains, and the emotional turbulence, they were a family. And families, as broken and imperfect as they might be, had a way of holding on, of finding strength in the most trying of times. She just hoped that their collective resilience would be enough to see them through this new chapter and that the fragile sense of hope she saw in Jieun's eyes wouldn't be shattered by the harsh realities they all faced.

The tension in the room was palpable as Carmen and Johnny continued their silent exchange, the weight of the situation pressing down on everyone. Finally, Johnny broke the silence, his voice gruff and edged with frustration.

"We can't just keep taking people in. Our apartment is falling apart, and we're barely holding on as it is."

Rosa chimed in from her seat by the window, her voice calm but firm. "Johnny, family is family. We find a way. We always do."

Johnny's shoulders sagged, the fight draining out of him as he looked at his family. He saw the determination in their eyes, the resolve to help Jieun no matter what. He let out a heavy sigh, nodding reluctantly.

"Fine. She can stay. But we're all going to need to pitch in and make this work. No more surprises."

Rosa smiled, her eyes twinkling with approval. "That's the spirit, Johnny. We take care of our own."

Carmen squeezed Johnny's hand, gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you, Johnny. We'll make it work."

Jieun, tears of relief streaming down her face, whispered a heartfelt thank you. The family gathered around her, their collective support a tangible presence. Despite the challenges ahead, the love and determination that bound them together would see them through. As they sat down to breakfast, the leaking ceiling and makeshift repairs seemed a little less daunting, the future a little brighter.

As the decision settled over the room, a sense of tentative relief washed over everyone. Jieun was welcomed, and the unspoken promise of support hung in the air like a fragile thread. Carmen excused herself to the bathroom, while Rosa left to her room, leaving Johnny with the three teens.

Johnny, ever practical, broke the silence with a gruff sigh. "Alright, now that we've got that sorted, I've been thinking. This place isn't cutting it anymore. We need to start looking for houses."

The words hung heavily in the air. Johnny's gaze flicked between Robby, Miguel, and Jieun, the implication clear: he wanted them to join him in this daunting task. But the three teens sat silently, the weight of the request pressing down on them.

Miguel was the first to speak. "Actually, I have a college fair coming up. It's important for me to be there."

Jieun, seizing the opportunity to avoid the awkward conversation, quickly agreed. "Yeah, me too. I have to check out some options."

Robby remained silent, his eyes flicking between his father and the others. Finally, he spoke, his voice low but determined. "I'll go with you."

Jieun felt a pang of guilt. She turned to Miguel, who gave her a reassuring nod. Understanding the silent encouragement, she spoke up. "Y'know what? I'll go too, it's the least I can do."

Johnny's eyes softened slightly, a rare moment of vulnerability breaking through his tough exterior. "Alright then. We'll go together."

As Carmen returned from the bathroom, she saw the shift in the room, a sense of uneasy resolution. She offered a small smile, the strength of their family evident even in their silent struggles.

Johnny stood up, ready to tackle the next challenge. "Let's get moving, then."

THE WALK TO THE VAN WAS QUIET, THE weight of unspoken words filling the car. Jieun glanced out the window, the scenery passing in a blur as she tried to steady her racing thoughts. The events of the past night loomed large, but she drew strength from the presence of Robby beside her, his silent support a beacon of hope.

Johnny Lawrence was already in motion, practically herding them toward his van, emblazoned with the bold Eagle Fang logo. He babbled in his usual way, his words a rapid-fire mix of bravado and nervous energy. "Alright, let's do this! We're gonna find the perfect place. None of those cookie-cutter houses, something with character. Something that screams 'Eagle Fang!' You kids ready?"

Jieun climbed into the van, noting Johnny's clothes. His shirt was frayed at the edges, the fabric worn thin from years of wear. His jeans were equally aged, a patch on one knee from some long-forgotten scrape. She glanced at Robby beside her, his shirt wrinkled and hair tousled from a night of restless sleep. She caught a glimpse of herself in the rearview mirror, dark circles under her eyes and her own clothes looking worse for wear.

As Johnny continued his monologue, Jieun's practical side kicked in. If they showed up like this, no realtor would take them seriously. They needed to look presentable, or they'd be laughed out of every house they visited.

"Sensei," she interrupted gently, her voice cutting through his stream of words. "We can't go looking for houses dressed like this. We should stop by my place first and change."

Johnny paused, his mouth half-open in mid-sentence. He looked down at his own clothes, then back at her, realization dawning on his face. "You're right. Can't show up looking like a bunch of bums. Good thinking, TicTac."

He turned the van toward Jieun's house, the old engine rumbling as it navigated the streets. Jieun felt a knot of tension in her stomach as they approached her home. The events of the previous night were still fresh in her mind, the blood and fear, the adrenaline that had yet to fully ebb away.

When they arrived, Johnny parked haphazardly in front, and they all climbed out. The house was a stark contrast to the modest apartments they were accustomed to. The home stood grand and eerily quiet, a testament to a time of wealth and careful maintenance. Johnny looked around, feeling out of place among the manicured lawns and expensive architecture.

"This place is something else," he muttered, stepping out of the van and staring at the imposing structure.

Robby, familiar with the house by now, gave a small nod, though he remembered the awe he'd felt on his first visit. Jieun led them inside, the air thick with an unsettling quiet. As they entered, Johnny felt the weight of the house's opulence pressing down on him. Every detail, from the polished floors to the ornate furnishings, spoke of a different life, a different world.

Jieun glanced at the floor, the spot where blood had pooled now spotless. Her grandmother must have cleaned it up. She knew an earful awaited her, but there was no time to dwell on the previous night's horrors. Determined, she rushed to her father's room, pulling out clothes that would fit Johnny and Robby.

She returned, handing them each an outfit that screamed old money status. Johnny stared at the tailored suit, running his fingers over the fine fabric. "You sure about this?" he asked, doubt flickering in his eyes.

Jieun nodded firmly. "If we want to be taken seriously, we need to look the part. And that means dressing like we belong."

Johnny sighed but accepted the clothes, heading off to change. Robby followed suit, already knowing the drill. Jieun quickly changed into a smart, elegant outfit, her reflection in the mirror almost unrecognizable. The transformation was startling, a reminder of the life she had once known and the one she was fighting to reclaim.

When they regrouped, Johnny looked uncomfortable but determined, the suit fitting him surprisingly well. Robby, too, looked the part, his demeanor shifting as he adjusted the cufflinks.

"Alright," Jieun said, her voice steady. "Now, remember, it's not just about how we look. We need to act the part, too. Confidence, poise, and a bit of charm. We're not just buying a house — we're buying a future."

Johnny straightened his shoulders, trying to embody the role. "That's easy."

As they piled back into the van, the tension began to dissipate, replaced by an undercurrent of determination. Johnny fiddled with the collar of his suit, grimacing.

"This suit's choking me. Feels like I'm wearing a damn noose," he grumbled.

Jieun smirked, adjusting her own outfit. "Oh, come on. You look like a million bucks. Or at least a couple thousand."

Johnny shot her a look. "A couple thousand, huh? I'll take that as a compliment. But seriously, these clothes are like prison uniforms."

"Prison uniforms?" Jieun raised an eyebrow. "If you mean the kind of prison where you have to drink vintage wine and eat caviar, then sure."

Robby, sitting quietly, couldn't help but chuckle. "You two fight are like father and daughter."

Jieun shot Robby a playful glare. "Watch it, Hobbit. Just because you're looking sharp doesn't mean you can get cheeky."

Johnny joined in, laughing. "Yeah, kid. Don't get too big for your britches. Especially not in those designer jeans."

Jieun pretended to be offended. "Designer? These are vintage. There's a difference, you know."

Johnny rolled his eyes dramatically. "Vintage, designer, whatever. All I know is, I'm used to jeans and a T-shirt. This feels like I'm wearing someone else's skin."

"Gross. Real gross," Jieun said. "But seriously, we need to keep up appearances. No goofing off when we get to the houses."

As they drove, Jieun noticed Johnny's hands tightening on the steering wheel, his usual bravado masking a flicker of unease. She decided to lighten the mood while giving him some pointers on etiquette.

"Alright," she began, "let's talk about manners."

Johnny glanced at her, one eyebrow raised. "Manners? You think I don't have manners?"

"Well, let's just say your idea of charm is... unique," Jieun replied, smirking. "But if we're going to impress this realtor, we need to polish you up a bit."

Robby, from the backseat, grinned. "This should be good."

Jieun ignored him, focusing on Johnny. "First rule: no sarcasm. Realtors don't appreciate it."

Johnny scoffed. "What's wrong with a little sarcasm? Keeps things interesting."

She shook her head. "It also makes you sound like a jerk. Try being sincere. Compliment the house, the neighborhood, the realtor's terrible haircut — whatever it takes."

Johnny made a face. "Isn't that just lying?"

"It's called being polite," Jieun said firmly. "And speaking of politeness, no interrupting. Let the realtor finish their spiel before you jump in with questions."

Johnny sighed dramatically. "Fine, I'll try to keep my mouth shut. Anything else, Miss Manners?"

"Yes," Jieun said, smiling sweetly. "Smile. You look like you're planning a heist when you frown."

Johnny flashed a forced, toothy grin. "Like this?"

"Perfect, if you're auditioning for a toothpaste commercial," Jieun laughed. "Try to look natural."

Robby, laughing from the backseat, added, "And maybe don't talk about your love for rock. Not everyone shares your taste."

Johnny rolled his eyes. "What's wrong with rock? It's badass!"

"Sure, it is," Jieun said, her tone indulgent. "But maybe save that conversation for later. For now, let's focus on the house."

Johnny sighed again, this time with less theatrics. "Alright, alright. No sarcasm, no interrupting, and fake a natural smile. Got it."

Jieun patted his arm. "You'll do great. Just be yourself, but, you know, the nicer version."

Johnny smirked. "I'm always nice."

Jieun raised an eyebrow. "Tell that to the guy you yelled at for cutting you off this morning."

Johnny laughed. "He deserved it."

As they pulled up to the first house, Johnny took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders to release the tension. Jieun gave him an encouraging nod, and Robby squeezed his shoulder from behind.

"Remember," Jieun said, "confidence, charm, and no sarcasm."

Johnny opened the door, stepping out with a renewed sense of purpose. "Confidence and charm. Got it."

Jieun followed, whispering to Robby, "This is going to be interesting."

Robby grinned. "I think he'll surprise us."

As they reached the realtor with a practiced smile, he shook Johnny's hand. "So, Mr. Lawrence, what do you do for a living?"

Johnny, his grip firm, opened his mouth, but Jieun quickly interjected, her voice smooth and confident. "Johnny runs a highly successful martial arts dojo. He's known for his innovative teaching methods and his dedication to shaping young minds."

The realtor's eyes widened, clearly impressed. "Oh, that sounds fascinating! I've heard martial arts can be quite a lucrative business these days. Discipline, community, personal growth — it's all very appealing."

Johnny gave Jieun a sideways glance, a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Yeah, something like that."

The realtor continued, gesturing around the house. "Well, this property has all the latest upgrades. Top-of-the-line appliances, four spacious bedrooms, and it's over 2,100 square feet. Perfect for —"

Johnny cut him off, his voice decisive. "I'll stop you right there. I'm ready to take this off your hands."

Robby and Jieun both froze, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Jieun's eyes widened, her earlier composure cracking. She had just given Johnny a crash course in etiquette and negotiation, and he had ignored every bit of it.

"Ahem," Jieun began, her tone strained but polite, "perhaps we should discuss the details a bit more before making a decision."

The realtor, sensing the tension, tried to steer the conversation back on track. "Of course, there are a few steps we need to follow, such as financing and inspections."

Jieun leaned close to Johnny, whispering urgently. "We need to play it smart. You can't just blurt out that you're buying the house without going through the proper steps."

The realtor looked from one to the other, his confusion mounting with every passing second. His eyes finally landed on the van parked outside, its gaudy Eagle Fang logo emblazoned on the side. "Is that your car?"

Johnny puffed up with pride. "Oh, hell yeah. Gonna have that thing parked here day and night. Let everyone know who's the new king."

The realtor stumbled over his words, visibly taken aback. "Okay, so it would... it would just be you?"

Johnny laughed, a deep, hearty sound. "Oh, hell no. If it was just me, I'd be sleeping in the car."

Robby sighed deeply, sensing the situation spiraling out of control. He glanced at Jieun, noticing her eyes twitching with irritation, her jaw set in a hard line.

Johnny continued, oblivious to the mounting tension. "Uh, no. There's my girl. Haven't made an honest woman of her yet, but as soon as I can afford a ring, bam, you know what I'm saying?"

Jieun shook her head in disappointment, her patience wearing thin. Johnny rambled on, unaware. "She's knocked up, so baby makes three. Then there's our boys. And then Rosa. She's a sweet Ecuadorian lady. Likes to smoke weed all day. You're gonna —"

Jieun cut him off, her voice tight but polite. "What he means to say is that we have a close-knit family. We're all very supportive of one another."

The realtor's eyebrows climbed higher with each sentence. "I see. Well, that's... quite the household."

Robby, trying to salvage the situation, jumped in. "We're a family that sticks together. We're looking for a place where we can all feel at home." Robby, sensing the need to salvage whatever dignity they had left, stepped forward with a polite but firm offer. "We'll offer $200 over asking."

Johnny looked ready to protest, but Jieun shot him a look that silenced him. The realtor, clearly unimpressed, shook his head. "I'm sorry, but my client is looking for a tenant who's a little bit more stable."

Johnny's temper flared instantly. "Who are you calling unstable? I'll knock that dumb haircut right off your stupid face and show you how unstable I am."

The realtor took a step back, a condescending smile playing on his lips. "I think we've seen enough to know this isn't a fit. Maybe try something more within your means."

Before Johnny could throw a punch, Jieun stepped in, her eyes flashing with determination. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the realtor, her sharp gaze cutting through his smug demeanor. She took a step closer, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Did you know the roof leaks? Yeah, I noticed the telltale water stains on the ceiling when we walked in. And that musty smell? That's not just mold. It's probably got some delightful combination of mildew and neglect."

The realtor's face turned a deeper shade of red, but Jieun wasn't finished. She turned to the other potential buyers who had been watching the scene unfold. "Hey, folks, you might want to take a closer look at those 'upgraded' appliances. The fridge? It looks like it's on its last legs, probably older than your grandma's first microwave. And the stove? Good luck cooking anything on that without setting off the fire alarm."

She pointed dramatically at the carpet. "And this carpet? It's practically an allergen factory. You could probably plant a garden with all the dirt and dust trapped in there. Hope none of you have asthma, because this place is a respiratory nightmare."

The realtor, flustered and struggling to maintain his composure, tried to intervene. "That's enough, miss. We don't need your... opinions."

Jieun smirked, turning back to him. "Oh, but I'm not done yet. That backyard you're so proud of? I saw at least three different kinds of weeds, and I'm pretty sure there's a family of raccoons living under the deck. So, unless you're planning to charge extra for the wildlife, you might want to reconsider your sales pitch."

Johnny and Robby exchanged amused glances as Jieun continued her tirade. "And by the way, that haircut of yours? It went out of style in the '90s. Maybe you should upgrade that before you judge others."

She turned to the other potential buyers again, spreading her arms wide. "Seriously, people, you deserve better than this dump. Don't let this guy con you into a money pit."

The realtor, clearly out of patience, finally managed to speak up. "I think it's time for you to leave."

Jieun shrugged, an unapologetic grin on her face. "Gladly. This place isn't worth our time anyway."

As they made their way back to Johnny's van, Johnny chuckled, shaking his head. "You really laid into him, didn't you?"

Jieun grinned back. "That place was a disaster waiting to happen."

Robby, still trying to suppress his laughter, added, "Well, we might not have gotten the house, but we sure gave them a show."

Johnny nodded, a proud look on his face. "Damn right we did. Now, let's go find a place that actually deserves us."

They continued to banter as they drove, the tension from the failed house viewing easing with each joke and playful jab. Johnny was clearly enjoying himself, his usual rough edges softened by the company.

As they approached the next house, Jieun took a deep breath, trying to shake off any lingering frustration. "Okay, team. Let's go in there, be charming, and get this house."

Johnny parked the van and turned to them with a grin. "Remember, if all else fails, just start pointing out the raccoons."

Robby chuckled. "Or the mold."

Jieun rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help smiling.

They stepped out of the van, straightening their clothes and putting on their best 'we're normal, respectable people' faces. As they walked up to the house, Jieun whispered to Johnny, "Remember, polite and charming. No punching realtors."

Johnny gave her a mock salute. "Aye, aye, captain."

They stepped into the house, and Johnny immediately noticed it was in much better condition than the last one. The air was fresher, the floors polished, and there were no peculiar odors wafting through the halls. Before Jieun and Robby could comment, they spotted the realtor from the previous house, already glaring at them.

"Alright, you three," the realtor said, his voice dripping with irritation. "I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Jieun's eyes flashed with defiance, but before she could unleash her usual tirade, Johnny stepped in. "Look, man, we were out of line. We get that."

The realtor crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. "Yeah. Yeah, that you were. There's the door."

Johnny turned to Jieun, signaling her to hold back. She bit her tongue, a rare moment of restraint for her, and Robby patted his dad on the back, trying to diffuse the tension. "There are other houses."

The realtor laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Not in South Reseda, there aren't. You want to be a stone's throw away from Encino without paying Encino prices, I'm the guy you gotta go through. And if you think I'm gonna rent a house to a degenerate with a weird car and a sketchy family, I got news for you. It ain't happening, chief."

He turned to leave, and Johnny's hand balled into a fist, his knuckles whitening. Robby, terrified his dad might start another fight, stared at him, silently pleading for him to keep his cool. Meanwhile, Jieun, undeterred, began mentally cataloging everything wrong with the house, ready to unleash another tirade about why it shouldn't be sold.

Just then, a man in a flannel shirt and white tee approached them. He had a calm, steady presence that immediately drew their attention. "Hey there," he said, his voice friendly. "I couldn't help but overhear. Sounds like you folks are having a bit of trouble."

Johnny exhaled slowly, lowering his fist. "You could say that."

The man smiled, extending his hand. "I hope Baz didn't scare you off." His smile widened then, "Are you John Lawrence?"

Jieun and Robby exchanged surprised glances as Johnny shook Steve's hand. "Yeah. I haven't kicked your ass before, have I? 'Cause you got that look."

He chuckled, a warm, genuine sound. "No. No. I saw you fight in the All Valley in '83. I was in middle school. You probably wouldn't remember me." Jieun's eyes softened as she saw an opportunity. "Unless you do. Little Stevie. Jerry's brother's friend. I used to moonwalk to class." Johnny sideyed the teens next to him. "You were awesome. You had insane skills.

"You catch '84?"

He shook his head, visibly upset. "No, I missed that one." Johnny huffed. "Remember Dutch? Dutch was so fricking cool."

"Yeah, yeah, he's in prison."

"So cool, dude."

Steve's eyes sparkled with a mixture of amusement and genuine interest as he leaned back in his chair. "Well, it's a great place to turn your life around. So what's an All-Valley champ, fricking prom king, doing at Little Stevie's house?" His tone was teasing but warm.

Jieun opened her mouth to begin the negotiations, but Johnny stopped her with a hand. "It's all right. I got this."

Jieun glanced at Robby, her amusement evident, and Robby, in return, squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Listen, man. I got off on the wrong foot with your agent. I'm just a guy trying to make a better life for his family. Teenage boys, a pregnant girlfriend, and her mom." He gestured towards Jieun, "Foreign exchange student."

Jieun rolled her eyes slightly, her patience wearing thin as Johnny described her so flippantly. Her respect for him was fraying, but she kept her comments to herself. "I know I may not be the ideal tenant," Johnny continued, "but, uh, you know, I can really see a place like this becoming my home."

Steve looked at Johnny with newfound admiration. "You wanna rent my house for real?"

Johnny nodded, his expression earnest. "Yeah."

Steve's face lit up with a smile. "I... I'd be honored."

Jieun and Robby exchanged relieved smiles, and Robby leaned over to peck her on the cheek. After the chaotic day they'd had, this was the first glimmer of genuine progress.

Steve's tone shifted to business. "How's your credit?"

Jieun sucked in a breath, the sound sharp in the quiet room. Steve's gaze shifted to her briefly before returning to Johnny.

"Can't imagine it's any good," Johnny admitted.

Steve raised an eyebrow. "Wealthy relative who died?"

"Min, unfortunately, is still alive," Johnny said, the disappointment evident.

Steve's shoulders sagged slightly. "That's a bummer."

Jieun, meanwhile, thought about her own home, the one conveniently under her name since her father's death. She would have to address that later, but for now, she remained silent.

Steve continued, his tone hopeful. "Listen, a place like this is within anybody's reach with a steady income and a solid deposit, stuff like that. I actually own a couple of houses around here, so if you can get your financials on track, I'm sure we can work something out."

"Yeah?" Johnny's face brightened with hope.

"Hell yeah," Steve confirmed, shaking Johnny's hand firmly.

The atmosphere in the room shifted from tense to uplifting, the promise of a new start hanging in the air. The three of them — Johnny, Robby, and Jieun — felt a collective breath of relief as they wrapped up their meeting. The day had been a whirlwind, but for the first time, they were beginning to see the possibility of a future in which they could truly settle and find a place to call home.

𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄

why was robby not in ep 2 at all omg

ep 2 was one of my least favorites tbh. it was mostly due to the interactions between brucks and kyler with eli, miguel and demetri. like why were they so cool with them?? bc they realized they were fighting for a dirtbag?? it just felt bizarre. i mean, i guess they did that to show eli and miguels' growth as people but i feel like they didn't deserve an apology

lol i think I'm just petty like i would neverrr forgive someone who bullied me. i mean look how i wrote jiji and sam's relationship LMAOO

oh and sorry they replaced chozen in those house seeing scenes, i really wanted jiji and johnny to have a funny relationship. especially after he was hesitant on her being with them

i wanted her to offer her house but then i'd have to write more scenes with her grandmother who i DESPISEEE !! hmm, but now I'm thinking her and rosa could have a golden girls beat down

completely off topic but i had no idea tanner buchanan and lizze broadway used to date. and for like a long ass time !! i absolutely loved her in gen v and its funny bc i even have a gen v fic up too. again, super random. i got an edit of her character, emma, and somebody in the comments mentioned it i was like whaaaa !! I'm not really into reading up on my favs social lives like that, i just like watching whatever they're in so it was kinda cool to lookup lol. i wonder why they broke up

much love,