After their time together, filled with warmth and laughter, it was finally time for Micha to return to her home. The evening had grown quiet, and the moment of departure had arrived. So Hyung had driven her back, his hand gently resting on hers throughout the journey, as if he wasn't ready to let go. Micha, too, felt the weight of parting with him after such a beautiful time spent together, but they both knew their work obligations awaited them.
As they pulled up to her house, the soft glow of the porch light illuminated the driveway, casting long shadows across the car. Micha turned to So Hyung, her eyes filled with tenderness. She wasn't sure how to thank him for the way he'd supported her through everything—the sleepless nights, the fear brought on by her recurring dreams, and the way he made her feel safe.
"I wish you didn't have to go," she whispered, a soft sadness tugging at her heart.
So Hyung smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll always come back, Micha. Work can't keep me away for long. Besides," he added, his tone lightening, "we have a lot to look forward to. Next time, we'll be seeing your family."
Micha felt a flutter of nerves at the mention of her family. She had already told them about So Hyung, and they had expressed their curiosity and excitement to meet him. However, there was a part of her that had held back the full truth. Her family, despite owning one of the largest businesses in the country, had always chosen to live modestly. She wasn't sure how So Hyung would react once he realized they weren't the middle-class family they appeared to be. But one thing she knew for sure was that his love for her was genuine—he had never shown any interest in her wealth or status.
As if sensing her unease, So Hyung leaned closer, his voice gentle. "Micha, you don't need to worry. Whatever happens when I meet your family, I won't change how I feel about you. I love you, not your background, not your status—just you."
His words washed over her like a soothing balm, easing her heart. Micha smiled, blinking back the emotions threatening to spill over. "I know you do, Hyung. That's why I love you so much."
With a soft kiss on her forehead, So Hyung whispered, "I'll see you soon, okay? Now go inside and rest. I'll call you when I get home."
Micha watched as he drove away, his car disappearing down the quiet street. A sense of contentment settled in her chest, knowing that despite the distance between them, their hearts remained connected.
---
A week passed before So Hyung made the journey to meet Micha's family. She had been nervous, of course, wondering how her parents and grandparents would receive him. However, deep down, she had faith that everything would go well. Her family had always trusted her decisions, and they knew how much So Hyung meant to her.
The morning was bright and clear as So Hyung arrived at Micha's family home. It was a humble house, not extravagant by any means, and yet there was a warmth that emanated from it—a feeling of love and history that made it feel like a true home. He had been nervous on the drive over, but the moment he saw Micha waiting for him at the door, all his fears melted away. She smiled brightly, her eyes shining with excitement and a hint of nervousness.
"You made it!" Micha exclaimed, her voice full of happiness.
"Of course," So Hyung said, stepping out of the car and pulling her into a tight embrace. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."
They stood like that for a moment, simply enjoying the presence of each other before Micha led him inside.
Her family greeted him warmly. Her parents, grandparents, and even her younger brother, So Eun, were all there. Micha's father, a dignified man with kind eyes, extended his hand to So Hyung.
"So, this is the young man we've heard so much about," he said, his tone both welcoming and curious.
So Hyung shook his hand firmly. "Yes, sir. I've heard a lot about you, too. It's an honor to finally meet you all."
As they sat down, conversation flowed naturally. They spoke about their lives, their hopes for the future, and the deep love Micha and So Hyung shared. Her family liked him immediately. They could see the way he cared for Micha in his every word and gesture, and that was all they needed to know.
What surprised Micha, however, was how easily her family shared stories about their life before starting their business. They spoke about their struggles, their journey, and how they had always valued simplicity, even when wealth came into the picture.
"We didn't want to raise Micha in a world that revolved around money," her grandmother said softly, sipping her tea. "We wanted her to know what really mattered in life—love, kindness, and family."
So Hyung nodded, completely at ease. "I respect that deeply. I come from a well-off family, too, but it never defined who I am. What matters to me is who Micha is, not what she has."
Micha's heart swelled with pride at his words. It wasn't just lip service; she knew that So Hyung genuinely meant it. He had always looked past the surface and saw her for who she was, and now her family saw that as well.
As the afternoon continued, laughter and stories filled the air. So Eun, Micha's younger brother, teased her relentlessly, as siblings often do, but it was clear that he admired So Hyung. Even her father, who was usually more reserved, found himself engaged in deep conversation with the young man who might soon become his son-in-law.
When the time finally came for So Hyung to leave, Micha walked him to his car, her hand resting on his arm. "That went better than I could have hoped for," she said, her voice filled with happiness.
"They're wonderful people," So Hyung replied, smiling down at her. "I'm honored that they accepted me so warmly."
Micha bit her lip, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "They can see what I've always known," she whispered. "That you're the one for me."
With a tender kiss, So Hyung promised, "I'll always be here, Micha. No matter what comes next, we'll face it together."
And with that, he drove off, leaving Micha standing in the soft glow of the setting sun, her heart full of love and excitement for the future they were building together.
As the days passed after So Hyung's visit to Micha's family, a new sense of joy filled Micha's heart. She found herself replaying the moments spent together, the warmth of her family embracing So Hyung, and the unspoken promise that lingered between them. The future was becoming clearer, and with every step, it felt like they were drawing closer to a life of love and unity.
One afternoon, as the sun cast a golden hue over the city, Micha sat by the window in her home, sipping a cup of tea. She thought of So Hyung, as she often did, imagining him at work, focused and determined. Her phone buzzed softly on the table beside her, pulling her from her thoughts. It was a message from him.
"Miss you already. I'll be off work soon. Let's talk tonight. Love you."
A smile tugged at Micha's lips. Even when they weren't together, So Hyung always found ways to make her feel cherished. She sent a quick reply, her fingers dancing across the screen, "Miss you too. Can't wait to talk. Love you more."
As the evening crept in, Micha found herself preparing for their call. She put on one of her favorite dresses, not because it was anything special, but because it reminded her of their dates and the way So Hyung's eyes lit up when he saw her. Sitting on her bed, she waited for the familiar ringtone.
Finally, her phone rang, and without hesitation, she answered, hearing his soothing voice on the other end.
"Hey, beautiful," So Hyung greeted her, his voice carrying a warmth that instantly put her at ease.
"Hi," Micha replied, feeling a soft blush creep onto her cheeks, even though he couldn't see her. "How was work today?"
"Busy, but all I could think about was coming home to talk to you," he said, his voice tender. "What about you? How was your day?"
"It was good," Micha replied, her tone soft. "I spent most of it thinking about us—about how much has changed, and yet how everything feels exactly right."
There was a brief pause, and Micha could almost hear So Hyung smiling on the other end of the line. "I've been thinking about that, too," he admitted. "Meeting your family, seeing how happy they are for us… it made me realize how close we are to starting a life together."
Micha's heart skipped a beat. "I know. It feels so real now," she said, her voice a mix of excitement and emotion. "I can't wait to meet your family next. I hope they'll like me as much as mine likes you."
"They'll love you," So Hyung reassured her. "There's no way they couldn't. You're everything I've ever wanted, Micha."
Her chest tightened with affection, her voice almost breaking as she replied, "You're everything to me too, So Hyung. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I'm grateful every single day."
As they continued talking, their conversation drifted into future plans, from wedding ideas to where they'd like to live. The future felt so tangible now, and the love they shared made it all seem within reach. Each word exchanged was filled with the promise of forever, and as the night grew darker, their connection only deepened, leaving them both feeling complete in each other's hearts.