Juho and Kamou took their seats on the dining table opposite to Mr. And Mrs. Park. The atmosphere in the room wasn't as awkward as Kamou imagined. Park Jiwon was mostly quiet though he would pop up sometimes between conversation. Mr. Park was very gentle and Mrs. Park made sure Kamou was comfortable.
"Kamou, we wanted to invite you for our Christmas dinner. But Juho told you were busy, we really wanted to meet you." Mrs. Park said.
"I am really sorry I couldn't make it that day." Kamou said giving a threatening look to Juho. He never told her anything,
"Oh... Don't apologize. We know you are busy with work." Mrs. Park said.
"I really liked your drama with Taehee. Your acting was so real." Jiwon added.
Kamou blushed a little due to the sudden compliment. "Thank you, Brother Jiwon."
"We are all just happy to finally meet you. Juho talks about you so much, we were very excited to know you." Mrs. Park said.
"Mrs. Park I am the one who should be grateful." Kamou smiled as she gave a loving glance at Juho.
The woman who opened the door for them started bringing out food and laying it on the huge dining table. Food was served with wine and the place was filled with lively chatter of the three men. Kamou got to know a lot about the men of the Park Family. All three of them took a while to get comfortable around people, but they all had a very gentle and charismatic way of talking.
"Here, Kamou eat a lot." Mrs. Park said putting few extra pieces of meat in her plate. "You work so hard; you need to make sure you get enough nutrients."
Kamou's eyes got a little wet but she held it in. "Yes, I will be sure to take care of myself. Thank you."
She looked down at her plate smiling. A hand gently landed on her thigh, giving her a little squeeze. She looked at Juho, he smiled back at her mouthing the word 'Are you happy now?' She smiled back at him, her eyes glistening with happiness.
After dinner, Mrs. Park took Kamou apart from others to chat alone. The men of the house went into Mr. Park's study, most probably to discuss some business-related matters. Kamou didn't ask Juho but seeing his family members, she guessed it; they were rich.
Mrs. Park and Kamou sat on the sofa while the maid served them with herbal tea. Mrs. Park waited for everyone to leave. She turned to Kamou with a weird expression on face, as if she was trying to figure out how to start a conversation.
"Mrs. Park, is there something you want to ask me?" Kamou said trying to subdue the awkwardness.
"I have many things on my mind but I don't want to offend you in any way."
"I won't be offended. I understand it. Any mother will be curious about the kind of women her son is dating." Kamou smiled at her.
"No... No, it's not that. You see, I... I heard that you don't have parents. So, I know it's been hard on you all this time. I know my son could be a handful at times but he really loves you. He will keep you happy, trust me. And all of us, we will try to be the best family for you. Please, stay with my son." Mrs. Park blurted out.
Kamou was shocked, she hoped that Mrs. Park would ask her some questions about her past. But she wanted to welcome her into their family. She couldn't comprehend what she said.
"Kamou, a parent can only wish for their child's happiness. We do a lot, struggle, work hard just to see the happy faces of our children. My son is really happy with you. I can tell it just by seeing him and I want to see him just like this."
Mrs. Park's words carried so much warm, Kamou felt each word she said. She could see Juho's face at a distance. She also wanted to see him happy. A serene smile appeared on her face as a lone tear trembled down her right cheek.
"Mrs. Park, I really understand what you feel. Trust me I will try my best, put in all the efforts needed and make sure Juho stays happy."
Mrs. Park took Kamou's hand in her, "You don't need to feel burdened or try hard. Just be true to yourself and him."
Her warm hands were one of the first motherly affection Kamou could feel. She didn't remember what it felt like to be with a mother like figure. She managed to whisper a soft 'yes' as her eyes flooded. Mrs. Park hugged her, stroking her back.
"It's okay. Someday you'll call me mother, so you don't have to hold back or pretend to be strong in front of me. It's not just Juho's happiness I wish for; I want you to be happy. If he ever makes you sad, tell me, I will make sure to scold him."
Kamou's crying was getting softer as she was almost done. Mrs. Park held her by her shoulders and smiled. "If Juho ever makes my daughter cry, tell me. We will beat him together."
Kamou laughed a little wiping her tears. "Thank you, mo... mother."
The heartfelt conversation changed into more casual. Kamou got more comfortable and confident around Mrs. Park. The two gossiped about the entertainment industry. Turns out, Juho's mother, a professor by profession, was a huge drama fan.
The room was filled with the laughs of two women when Juho came in. It was time for them to leave. The two said their good byes to the elders at the door. Juho was drunk so Mr. Park sent his driver to send them home safely.
**********************************
In the car, Kamou was sitting leaning on to Juho. Her head rested on his shoulder as he held her hand in his. She closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat, feeling his warm breaths land on her skin. The events of the dinner flashing in her mind. She couldn't describe the feeling but there was something peaceful about it.
"Juho, how does it feel to have parents?" she asked.