Kamou looked into the big mirror in front of her. The stylist was setting her hair. She looked beautiful in emerald green dress, paired with small diamond studs. Since she was meeting Juho's parents she decided to avoid bold look and went for more natural makeup. Juho was supposed to pick her up from the salon.
Anxious she checked her phone from time to time. Juho was already waiting for her outside. When her stylist was done, Kamou took a deep breath before getting up from her seat. She walked out of the salon; her eyes met Juho's who was in his car waiting for her. Juho couldn't take his eyes off of her as she walked towards the car. She quietly got into the car, talking a seat next to Juho.
"Thank you for waiting." She spoke.
"I don't mind waiting for hours if you are going to show up like this." Juho flirted.
"Honey, you look beautiful." he came closer and kissed her softly.
As they drove to his parent's house, Kamou's mind was grasped by nervousness and anxiety. From what she knew about Juho's family, they were pretty normal. His father had a business and his mother was a university professor. He also had an older brother who helped in his father's business. Juho was very close to his family, they almost spent all holidays together. Whenever Juho talked about his family, Kamou couldn't help but feel bitter.
"Juho, do you think your parents will like me?" Kamou asked as she leaned her head closer to the car window, looking out.
"Them liking you isn't something you should worry about. They will be happy with anything I decide." He smiled looking at her.
"But still, they are your family. It would be unfortunate if they don't like me. It would bother me." she sighed still looking at the streets.
"If it bothers you, I guess it's a big problem for me then. I just have to make sure they like you." Juho laughed.
Kamou turned to him irritated by his laugh. 'Juho really could never take things seriously.'
"Kamou, do you trust me?" he asked staring in her eyes. Kamou slowly nodded her head in a 'yes'. He gently held her hand focusing on the road ahead.
"You don't have to be nervous or scared of anything. I would be there with you. If you feel uncomfortable there just tell me, we could leave at that very moment." He pulled her hand closer to his face and kissed the back of it.
The kiss and his words brought so much of warmth; her anxiety started to fade away little by little. She knew it will be fine as long as he is by her side. Juho's existence was like a blessing to her void soul.
"Honey, can you smile a little for me now. I am also a little nervous you know. It's my first time taking a girl home."
"What? What were you thinking Juho? How do you plan on handling all this?" Kamou panicked.
"Juho, I think I am not feeling my best today. I guess we should do this some other day." she tried coming up with an excuse.
Juho pulled over in a corner. He pulled her closer to him, "You aren't going anywhere. I won't let you get away from me, you knew that from the very first day. We are in this together."
He kissed her passionately. His held her back with on hand and the other was on her cheek. Kamou opened her eyes, when Juho's lips parted from hers.
"I hope you understand now?" Juho said in an authoritative tone. But to Kamou it seemed more like his insecurity.
"Yes, let's do our best today." she smiled at him warmly.
After some minutes their car entered one of the richest neighborhoods in Seoul. The streets got quieter as they drove into the neighborhood. Juho drove the car into a six-car parking of a mansion. Questions were popping up Kamou's head but she chooses not to be vocal about it. They got out of the car and walked to the front gate of the mansion. Kamou looked around, she could hear music playing inside the house. The mansion itself was huge, it was not something Juho solely could afford. The garden was well maintained, the exterior of the mansion was contemporary style and very neat. The front door opened and they were greeted by a woman in her mid-fifties. Kamou bowed down greeting her thinking she was Juho's mother.
"They are waiting for you inside. Let me show you the way." The woman said smiling after she took their coats.
Kamou looked at Juho confused. Juho laughed at her reaction. He held her arm as they walked behind the old woman into the living room. The inside of the mansion was clad with white book-matched marble floors. The walls were decorated with tasteful modern art. It was like Kamou preferred, neat and minimalistic. Three people were already sitting there. After bringing them there, the old woman seemed to have disappeared.
Seeing Juho and Kamou appear the three got up from their seat. Kamou and Juho bowed down to greet the elders. Kamou was scared but when she saw them pleasantly smiling at her, she was calmed down a bit.
Mr. Park was almost as tall as Juho, he was in his early sixties. He seemed to have a very calm and quiet personality. A little wrinkled face, healthy body and a genuine smile. Mrs. Park on the other hand seemed more talkative and free-spirited. She looked young for her age. She was little shorter than Kamou. As for Juho's brother, Park Jiwon, he was a little taller than Juho. Slender body, the way he carried himself was very classy. The guy was handsome, he could have been a celebrity if he wanted to. Looking at the family you could figure out they belonged to high society and had great influence.
"Juho told me about you, but you are prettier than I imagined." Mrs. Park said as she hugged Kamou lightly.
"Thank you, Mrs. Park, for having me over." Kamou replied politely.