The following morning, the sun's soft rays peeked through the curtains, bathing their bedroom in a gentle warmth. Kang Min Jun was the first to wake up, lying still for a moment as he watched Soo Jeon sleep peacefully beside him. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
He couldn't help but feel a wave of gratitude for the life they were building together. The conversations they'd had about their future, the dreams they were about to embark on—everything felt more real now. Their decision to start a family had cemented a new chapter in their relationship.
As he carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb her, Min Jun made his way to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as he set out to make a simple breakfast. His mind wandered back to the night before, the clarity in Soo Jeon's eyes when she had said she was ready to start a family. The certainty in her voice had stirred something deep within him, and the excitement he felt about their future was almost overwhelming.
A soft rustle from behind him broke his thoughts. He turned to see Soo Jeon standing in the doorway, her hair tousled from sleep, a soft smile on her face as she stretched.
"Morning," she greeted him, her voice still thick with sleep.
"Good morning," Min Jun replied, walking over to kiss her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"
"I did," she said, leaning into his embrace. "I dreamed of the future. Of us... and what's to come."
Min Jun smiled, pulling her closer. "That sounds like a beautiful dream."
"It was," she whispered, resting her head on his chest. "I'm so excited, Min Jun. Everything we've been talking about, everything we've dreamed of—it feels so real now."
"It is real," he said, gently lifting her chin to meet her gaze. "We're in this together. Every step of the way."
---
Later that day, the couple visited Min Jun's parents, something they hadn't done in a while. Though the relationship between Soo Jeon and Mrs. Kang had been strained in the past, it had gradually improved since their wedding. Still, Soo Jeon felt a little nervous about their visit, especially with the recent discussions of starting a family.
As they walked up to the elegant front door of his parents' home, Min Jun gave Soo Jeon's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry," he whispered. "We're in this together, remember?"
She nodded, taking a deep breath before they entered.
The visit began smoothly, with polite conversation and casual updates about their lives. Mr. Kang was his usual, stoic self, nodding approvingly at the news of Min Jun's work projects. Mrs. Kang, however, seemed more distant, watching Soo Jeon with a calculating gaze, as if still assessing her.
It wasn't long before the topic of family came up, and the room grew slightly tense.
"So," Mrs. Kang began, her voice sharp but restrained, "when do you plan to start a family?"
The question hung in the air, and Min Jun and Soo Jeon exchanged a brief glance.
"We've been talking about it," Min Jun said carefully, not wanting to reveal too much yet. "We're thinking it's something we'll start planning soon."
Mrs. Kang raised an eyebrow, her lips pursed. "Soon? You've been married long enough. I would have thought you'd already made such plans."
Soo Jeon felt her pulse quicken, but before she could respond, Min Jun spoke up, his tone calm but firm. "We'll do it when we're ready, Mother. It's not something to rush."
There was a moment of silence, the tension palpable in the air. Mr. Kang cleared his throat, subtly signaling a change in topic, but Mrs. Kang's eyes lingered on Soo Jeon, a flicker of disapproval in her gaze.
---
After the visit, as Min Jun and Soo Jeon walked back to their car, the tension from the conversation lingered between them.
"I'm sorry," Min Jun said, breaking the silence. "I know my mother can be... difficult."
Soo Jeon sighed, shaking her head. "It's okay. I know she's just... concerned, in her own way."
"Still, it's our decision, not hers. Don't let her pressure you."
"I won't," Soo Jeon replied, smiling softly at him. "I know we'll do what's best for us, in our own time."
Min Jun reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I love you, Soo Jeon. And I'm so proud of how far we've come."
"I love you too," she whispered, feeling the weight of his words settle warmly in her heart.
---
The following week was a whirlwind of activity for both of them. Soo Jeon threw herself into her work at the academy, pushing her students to perfect their routines as the performance date drew closer. Min Jun, meanwhile, was occupied with several high-profile projects at the architectural firm. But even with their busy schedules, the excitement about their future lingered in the background, a constant source of joy.
One evening, as they sat together on the couch, unwinding after a long day, Min Jun turned to Soo Jeon with a thoughtful expression.
"Have you thought about names?" he asked casually, his eyes twinkling.
"Names?" Soo Jeon blinked in surprise.
"For our future child," Min Jun clarified, a playful smile on his lips.
Soo Jeon chuckled, leaning into him. "I've thought about it a little... but I didn't want to get ahead of myself."
Min Jun grinned. "Well, I've been thinking about it too. It doesn't hurt to dream, right?"
Soo Jeon smiled, her heart swelling with love. "What names have you been thinking about?"
Min Jun tilted his head, pretending to think deeply. "Well, for a girl, I thought maybe 'Ji-Hyun.' And for a boy... maybe 'Joon-Soo.'"
Soo Jeon laughed softly. "Those are beautiful names."
"Just ideas," he said with a shrug. "We'll decide together when the time comes."
Soo Jeon nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. Their conversations about the future, the plans they were making—everything felt like it was falling into place. It wasn't just about starting a family; it was about continuing to build the life they had always dreamed of.
And as they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, they both knew that whatever the future held, they were ready to embrace it.
---