The next few weeks seemed to pass in a blur. Ji-eun and Ji-hoon's relationship had blossomed into something solid, built on trust, mutual respect, and understanding. They spent more time together, not just as a couple, but as friends who supported each other through the ups and downs of school life.
But as the days went by, Ji-eun started to feel the weight of the world pressing down on her. Her classmates were still gossiping about her and Ji-hoon, and while she had grown used to their whispers, it didn't mean it was easy to bear. The pressure of maintaining this new identity—one that was real and unfiltered—began to take a toll on her. And there was something else on Ji-eun's mind—her relationship with her family.
Her parents had always been supportive, but the idea of her dating Ji-hoon, someone they hadn't met yet, was something Ji-eun knew they would question. They had high expectations for her, and in the past, she had always strived to meet those expectations. But now, with Ji-hoon in her life, she wondered if they would approve of her choices.
One afternoon, Ji-eun sat at the lunch table, her thoughts consumed by the upcoming family dinner. She had asked Ji-hoon to come with her so they could talk to her parents together. It wasn't an easy decision, but Ji-eun knew it was time to face the inevitable.
"Hey, Ji-eun, are you okay?" Ji-hoon asked, sitting down across from her. His expression was filled with concern, and Ji-eun couldn't help but smile at how attentive he always was.
"Yeah," Ji-eun replied, though her voice sounded distant. "I'm just… nervous about tonight."
Ji-hoon raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
Ji-eun took a deep breath. "I asked my parents if you could join us for dinner tonight. I think it's time they meet you. But I don't know how they'll react. They've always had a certain image of who I should be, and I'm not sure they'll understand why I'm dating you."
Ji-hoon's eyes softened. "I get it. But you're not dating me because of anyone else's expectations. You're doing it because you want to be with me. And that's what matters."
Ji-eun felt a warmth spread through her chest as she looked at him. She was lucky to have someone like Ji-hoon by her side, someone who understood her and respected her choices. But that didn't make the situation any easier.
---
Later that evening, Ji-eun stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, nervously adjusting her clothes. Her parents' house was filled with the sound of clinking silverware and laughter from the dining room. She had been so focused on her insecurities that she hadn't really thought about how her parents would feel meeting Ji-hoon for the first time.
"Are you ready?" Ji-hoon asked, standing in the doorway, looking as calm as ever. His eyes, however, gave away a hint of the nervousness that Ji-eun knew he was feeling too.
Ji-eun nodded, even though her heart was racing. "I think so. Let's go."
As they walked to the dining room, Ji-eun's parents looked up from the table. Her mother smiled warmly, while her father gave a polite nod. They had always been formal, but tonight, Ji-eun could sense a tension in the air.
"Mom, Dad, this is Ji-hoon," Ji-eun said, her voice shaky. "He's… he's my boyfriend."
Ji-hoon smiled and extended his hand to her father. "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."
Her father shook his hand firmly, his gaze sharp. "It's nice to meet you, Ji-hoon. We've heard a lot about you."
Ji-eun could feel the weight of her father's eyes on them. It was as if he were sizing Ji-hoon up, making sure he was worthy of her.
Her mother, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed. "We've been looking forward to meeting you, Ji-hoon. Ji-eun talks about you all the time."
Ji-hoon smiled nervously, and Ji-eun could see how hard he was trying to make a good impression. She appreciated it, but her nerves were getting the best of her.
As dinner progressed, the conversation flowed smoothly, but there were moments of silence where Ji-eun could feel the unspoken tension in the air. Her father asked Ji-hoon about his goals and future plans, while her mother inquired about his family. Ji-eun was relieved when her parents didn't ask too many personal questions, but she still couldn't shake the feeling that they were scrutinizing every word Ji-hoon said.
Halfway through the meal, Ji-hoon turned to Ji-eun with a small, reassuring smile. It was as if he was silently telling her that everything would be okay.
But then, her father spoke up. "Ji-eun, are you sure you're making the right choice? I just want to make sure you're not rushing into something that could distract you from your future."
Ji-eun froze. This was the moment she had been dreading—the moment when her parents' expectations clashed with her desires. She glanced at Ji-hoon, who remained quiet, giving her the space she needed to respond.
"I'm sure, Dad," Ji-eun said, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. "I'm not rushing into anything. Ji-hoon makes me happy, and he respects me. That's what matters most."
Her father didn't say anything for a moment, his expression unreadable. But then, he nodded slowly. "I see. Well, if you're sure, Ji-eun, then I trust your judgment."
Ji-eun felt a wave of relief wash over her. It wasn't the full approval she had hoped for, but it was a start. Her father wasn't completely opposed to the idea, and that was enough for now.
After dinner, Ji-hoon walked her home, and as they stood on her doorstep, Ji-eun looked up at him with a grateful smile.
"Thank you," she said, her voice soft. "You made it through without making things awkward."
Ji-hoon laughed softly. "I think your dad likes me. He just has a… unique way of showing it."
Ji-eun chuckled. "He does. But I think he'll come around."
"I'm glad," Ji-hoon said, taking her hand. "But no matter what, I'm here for you, Ji-eun. Always."
As Ji-eun watched him walk away, she felt a warmth in her heart that she hadn't felt before. She had faced her fears tonight, and with Ji-hoon by her side, she was ready to face whatever came next.