A few minutes later, Jin was welcomed by the familiar view of his brick-laid house and quiet suburban street. His mom pulled into the garage, and once the car was parked, Jin grabbed his gear and brought it inside.
He tucked his racquet away in the powder room and made his way to the living room, ready to finally collapse onto the couch.
But just as he was about to sit down…
"HEY JIN!!!"
Two loud voices shouted in unison, making Jin jump and spin around in alarm.
Standing in the entrance to the living room were two familiar faces.
The man on the left was tall, probably 6'1, with light-toned skin and soft, easygoing features lined by years of laughter. His medium-length brown hair had the faintest touch of gray, and his eyes sparkled with a playful warmth. It was Jin's dad, Jason.
Beside him stood someone much younger, around 18, with sharp brown eyes and a wide grin that looked like it belonged on a poster for a sports drink. His hair was cropped short with a tight fade. A simple silver chain rested around his neck, glinting slightly in the light. It was Jin's older brother, Kai.
"Dad! Kai!" said Jin, eyes wide.
His dad, Jason, stepped forward and pulled Jin into a warm, bone-crushing hug.
"Hope your mom didn't treat you too meanly while I went to pick up Kai from college," he joked.
"Well… she did hit me with a spatula a few times," Jin said meekly.
Jason turned to look at Lily (Jin's mom), his expression exaggerated with mock disapproval.
"Lily, what did I say about being mean to Jin?"
"I thought he was going crazy," she defended herself with a shrug. "I didn't know what else to do."
"Well, at least he seems more energetic now," Jason laughed.
Jin rolled his eyes and turned toward his brother instead.
"Hey, Kai! How's college in Minnesota going so far? You're doing finance, right?"
Kai nodded, dropping his duffel bag to the side and flopping down onto the couch.
"Yeah, I'm still doing finance. It's going pretty well. Classes are tough but manageable. I actually just finished midterms before flying back."
"Midterms already? That's crazy."
"Tell me about it," Kai groaned. "But it's good to be home. I've missed this place… and you guys."
Jin grinned. "You missed me, admit it."
Kai smirked and ruffled Jin's hair. "Sure, little bro. I missed your weird monologues and you screaming at your monitor while playing League."
Jin swatted his hand away. "I do not monologue! And yelling during League is totally justified."
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say."
The two of them laughed, settling deeper into the couch as the afternoon light faded outside. They caught up on classes, dorm food, and weird roommate stories until the conversation drifted to a more mischievous note.
"So…" Jin said, his voice lowering with mock seriousness, "how's the girl scene looking?"
Kai froze for a moment. "Uhhh…"
Jin narrowed his eyes. "No way. Did you actually find someone?!"
"Maybe," Kai replied, suddenly shy as he looked away.
Jin's jaw dropped. He looked like a toddler seeing magic for the first time.
"Dude. Who is she?! What's her name?!"
"Okay, calm down," Kai chuckled. "Her name's Yuki. She's great, super smart, funny, and just... really kind. I'll introduce you to her later, maybe over a video call or something."
Jin nodded, still stunned. Then Kai turned the tables.
"Anyway, what about your girl scene?"
Jin immediately slouched into the couch like a deflating balloon. "Not important," he muttered with a blank stare.
Kai burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find someone one day."
"Yeah, yeah," Jin grumbled, but he couldn't help smiling a little.
"It's time for dinner! Come to the table, boys!" Lily called from across the room.
Moments later, the entire Zhang family was gathered around a circular table, now covered in delicious homemade dishes. Steamed dumplings, sweet and sour pork, and perfectly cooked rice filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma.
Jason looked like a kid on Christmas morning as he picked up his chopsticks.
"Man, I remember when I didn't even know how to hold these," he said with a grin. "Now? I can't go a day without your cooking, Lily."
"Aww, you're making me blush, honey," Lily said with a playful smile.
Jin made a dramatic gagging noise. "Can you two save the flirting for after dinner?"
Jason laughed. "You'll understand one day."
Though Jason was American, the Zhang family had taken Lily's last name years ago. Their home was a blend of cultures, but food was one thing that brought them all together perfectly.
The family talked, teased, and ate late into the evening, catching up and enjoying each other's presence.
Eventually, Jin pushed back his chair and stood. "I'm gonna head to bed."
"Sleep? Already?" Kai asked, surprised. "I figured you'd be up gaming 'til midnight."
"I'm a changed man now," Jin replied with an air of dignity. "I wake up early to work out."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "Wow. Didn't see that happening in a thousand years."
"Rude," Jin muttered as he headed upstairs.
Once back in his room, Jin peeled off his clothes and took a long, hot shower, letting the steam wrap around him. The events of the day cycled through his mind like highlights on a reel, his return to school, reconnecting with Ren, meeting Noah, and stepping back onto the court.
For the first time in years, he felt genuinely fulfilled.
After drying off and changing into his pajamas, Jin was about to collapse into bed but his eyes caught the faint glow of his laptop. Hmm I'll just take a quick peek, he told himself.
He opened it and started scrolling.
"Whoa… this is when Lord of the Mysteries first dropped… And Wind Breaker's only halfway? (A/N: RIP wind breaker)" Jin leaned in closer. "Man, I forgot how much was still ahead."
He browsed through release dates, game patches, and trending forums, a nostalgic grin tugging at his face as he soaked in the era.
After a few minutes of internet time-travel, he shut the laptop and finally got into bed. The room was dim, the faint hum of the AC barely audible. Jin stared at the ceiling, still trying to fully process the surreal reality he now lived in.
"Man I'm really so lucky for the system and whoever sent me back in time" murmured Jin.
'Speaking of the system it's been a bit since I've checked it' thought Jin
He swiped his hand in the air, summoning the familiar glowing interface.
And what he saw next made his eyes widen in disbelief.
(A/N: I got a USTA tournament tomorrow! wish me luck.)