Jin-Woo trailed behind them, his gaze lingering on a photo of a smiling couple _ presumably Christopher and Christine. He felt a pang of something he couldn't quite name. Regret? Sympathy? David shot a quick, worried glance at Monja. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, unsure how to navigate this bizarre situation. They all entered the living room. Christine sat on the sofa, bouncing a fussy baby on her knee. She looked up, her expression a mixture of surprise and displeasure,
Christine: *She narrowed her eyes, taking in Monja's presence and an unfamiliar tension filled the air. She gave Michael a cold look next.* And who is the odd one? Another one of your… friends?
Monja: *She chose a seat beside David, deliberately putting distance between herself and 'Christopher'. The atmosphere thickened, palpable and sharp.* We need to talk.
Christine: *She let out a harsh, humorless laugh, the baby stirring in her arms. She adjusted her grip, a flicker of malice in her eyes.* Already trouble in paradise? My, my.
Michael softly sat down beside Jin-Woo. His presence commanded attention, slicing through Christine's eerie laughter.
Michael: *He regarded her with a cool, appraising gaze. His voice, when he spoke, was laced with a gentle but unmistakable authority. He subtly directed his words towards the group to ease their confusion.* Christine, dear, this is a private matter. See to your son.
Christine: *Her face flushed with anger. She opened her mouth to retort, but Michael raised a hand, silencing her with a look.* But…
Michael's expression remained unchanged, unwavering, a silent command radiating from him. Christine, defeated, stormed out of the room, the baby's cries echoing in her wake. David stares at Michael, his mouth agape. He looked from Michael to Monja, then back again, his mind racing.
Monja: *Her gaze shifted from Michael to Jin-Woo, her expression a mixture of worry and determination. She squeezed David's hand, a silent reassurance passing between them.* How…?
Jin-Woo: *He looked from Michael to the empty doorway where Christine had disappeared. He felt increasingly out of his depth, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.* Who…? Who are you?