This giant sushi roll was especially confused today. With words that made no sense to constant mood swings, Haneul refused to get ready for the dinner tonight at her future in-laws.
"Haneul," Youngsoo called her out. "What are your feelings about him?" He asked.
"Don't say you don't know." Haru said, "Just say what's on your mind."
What was on her mind? If she knew she wouldn't have been rolled into a giant, sad sushi. She sighed and inhaled deeply, preparing herself to start stating her mind.
"So," Haneul looked up at the two of her friends, staring at her in anticipation. "My feelings for him don't matter anymore. My parents have already decided everything." She said hopelessly. "I like him. He is nice to me. I just don't know if I want to spend the rest of my life with him."
Haneul was too ambitious to spare time for someone her entire lifetime. Friends were one thing, and she could probably keep someone as nice as Yeom Tae as her friend. But husband was a stretch.
Yeom Tae's company was a comfort to her. But she wasn't sure about marrying a person she met only twice. Yet it was something she just couldn't avoid.
"Haneul," Haru called her. "Let's just pass this one dinner, yeah?" She said, "Afterwards, we can think of something based on your feelings."
"I agree." Youngsoo said. "Sabotaging the dinner now will only put your family in a bad light. Either talk to Yeom Tae-ssi, or attend the dinner."
Haneul sighed, unrolling herself out of the giant, sad sushi. She pushed the sheets off of herself and stood up to walk in front of her dressing table, sitting down on the change.
"Not like this." Haru said. "Go wash your face first."
Animated Haneul stood up from the dressing table and opened the bathroom door to wash her face off. The two waited for her to come back so they could help her get ready.
"Let's choose her dress for today in the meantime." Youngsoo suggested.
Haru slid the doors of the wardrobe, revealing a huge collection of outfits. There were a lot to choose from so the two started picturing Haneul in each outfit. Today they needed something feminine and subtle, not too bold and not too simple. A dress caught Youngsoo's eyes.
"What do you think about that one?" Youngsoo pointed at the dress in the corner.
It was a knee length, tiered dress colored light peach with puff sleeves and collared neck, plum pearls on the ends of the sleeves and on the collars to add contrast to it.
"Perfect." Haru said while pulling it out of the cupboard.
She walked towards the full body mirror and put it against herself just for confirmation. That was the last verdict and the dress was chosen.
Haneul walked out of the bathroom while patting her face dry with a towel. She sat down on the chair in front of the dressing table, waiting for Haru to make her look pretty like she always did. Haru cracked her knuckles as if in the operating theater.
With soft makeup to compliment the dress, peachy and coral blush, and lip tint, Haru declared the woman ready for the dinner which was going to decide her life. She looked feminine with her raw beauty and soft makeup. Today was her day, or it would've been if her parents would've asked her about her opinion on the man she was going to marry.
"Okay now, listen." Youngsoo said while Haru brushed off Haneul's clothes of creases and helped her wear her heels. "I know it's hard not to think about it but think of it as a normal dinner. Think of him as someone you'll continue to see and evaluate. Think of this dinner as the starting point, not the end point."
"Marriage starts from picking dates, Youngsoo." Haneul sarcastically smiled. "This is the starting point." She hopelessly said.
"But he's right too!" Haru said. "Don't be pessimistic just yet." She added. "Either he will captivate your heart or you will be able to get out of this harmless. Don't worry."
"We still have kidnapping you as a last resort." Youngsoo said, "Away from everyone, we'll make you disappear into thin air. So don't worry."
Haneul smiled and nodded at her caring friends. Why was she worrying when they had everything laid down for her? The door knocked and the housekeeper entered the room.
"The cars are waiting for you downstairs." The housekeeper said.
"What about mom and dad?" Haneul asked.
"They are ready." The housekeeper replied.
Haneul looked at Haru and Youngsoo, gulping slowly. The two gave her one last look, and one last thumbs up. She was looking beautiful. Her hair was tied into a half bun and her dress fluttered on her body with all its fluidity. Her lashes were as curled as ever, and her eyes as dark as ever, complimenting her light and cozy theme of today. Her plum drop earrings only added to the look.
They were sure that she was going to the prettiest young lady on that dinner table.
"Okay guys." Haneul exhaled. "Wish me luck." She added.
"Good luck, girl." Haru said as she smiled. "Show them who you are."
"I believe in you." Youngsoo said. "Just remember what I told you and don't stress. Everything will go fine."
Haneul nodded and smiled. The housekeeper moved away from the doorway to let Haneul out. Haneul slowly walked out, stopping her breath. She was finally going.
Ring! Ring!
She turned around to look back into the room with Haru approaching her with her phone.
"You forgot your phone-" Haru said and paused as she looked at the caller.
Haneul received the phone from Haru's hand, her 'Future Husband' was calling. Haneul looked up at her friends.
"Pick it up!" Youngsoo exclaimed in joy, wondering if the smart man had already called the dinner off.
Haneul received it and put it against her ear.
"Haneul,"