Jisoo sat on the edge of her bed, her phone clutched tightly in her hands. She stared at the screen for what felt like an eternity, her thumb hovering over the call button.
"You've got this," Chloe said from the doorway, offering an encouraging smile.
"Just call them and get it over with," Vanessa added from the couch. "The sooner you deal with them, the sooner you can come back and we'll drown you in boba tea."
Jisoo nodded, her throat dry. "I just…hate this. I know what's coming, and I don't know if I can handle it."
Asha set her book down and walked over, placing a reassuring hand on Jisoo's shoulder. "You're stronger than you think. And remember, no matter what they say, you've got us."
Taking a deep breath, Jisoo pressed the call button. The phone rang twice before a curt voice answered.
"여보세요? (Hello?)"
"Hello, Auntie. It's Jisoo," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
There was a long pause. "Oh, Jisoo. You finally decided to call. I was wondering if you had forgotten you have family in Korea."
"I haven't forgotten," Jisoo replied softly. "I was just—"
"Busy? Yes, of course. Busy with your American friends, no doubt." Her aunt's tone was sharp, dripping with disapproval. "Well, your uncle and I have been waiting to see you. When are you coming?"
"I was thinking I could visit today," Jisoo said, forcing herself to stay calm.
"Today?" Her aunt sounded skeptical. "Are you sure you can fit us into your busy schedule?"
Jisoo closed her eyes, willing herself not to snap. "Yes, I'll come today."
"Fine. Don't be late. We'll be expecting you."
The line went dead.
The taxi ride to her relatives' home felt like an eternity. Jisoo stared out the window, her heart sinking with every passing minute.
Her aunt and uncle lived in a modest but well-kept apartment in Gangnam. As she approached the building, memories of past visits flooded her mind—each one more painful than the last.
Her aunt opened the door with a critical once-over. "You've gained weight," she said bluntly. "Do they not teach portion control in America?"
Jisoo blinked, stunned. "It's good to see you too, Auntie."
Her uncle appeared behind her aunt, his expression no warmer. "You're late," he said. "Typical."
Jisoo glanced at her watch. She was actually ten minutes early but decided not to argue. "I came as soon as I could."
"Come in," her aunt said, stepping aside. "We've been waiting."
The living room was neat and sparsely decorated, the air heavy with tension. Jisoo sat on the edge of the couch, clutching her hands in her lap.
"So, how is your luxurious American life?" her aunt began, sitting across from her.
"It's not luxurious," Jisoo said quickly. "I'm working hard at school, and—"
"You always have an excuse," her aunt interrupted. "Do you think life is easy for us here? We struggled to survive, to give you and your family a better future. And this is how you repay us? By ignoring your roots?"
Jisoo's face burned. "I'm not ignoring my roots. I came to visit, didn't I?"
Her uncle snorted. "Because your mother told you to. If she hadn't, would you have come at all?"
Jisoo opened her mouth to respond but couldn't find the words.
Her aunt leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "You know, your cousins work hard every day. They respect their elders. They understand what it means to be Korean. But you?" She shook her head. "You're too American. You've forgotten where you come from."
The words hit Jisoo like a slap. She'd heard them before—too many times to count. But it never hurt any less.
"I haven't forgotten," she said quietly. "I'm trying my best."
"Your best isn't enough," her uncle said coldly. "Do you even speak Korean properly? Every time you visit, it's like talking to a foreigner."
Jisoo bit her lip, fighting back tears. "I'm learning. I really am."
Her aunt sighed dramatically. "It's a shame. Your parents sacrificed so much to move to America, and this is the result. A daughter who doesn't even know how to honor her family."
Jisoo's chest tightened. "I do honor my family," she said, her voice trembling. "I came here today to see you, to show that I care."
Her uncle waved a dismissive hand. "You only came because your mother told you to. Don't pretend it was your idea."
The conversation continued in the same vein, each comment cutting deeper than the last. By the time Jisoo left, she felt like she could barely breathe.
Back at the loft, her friends were waiting for her.
"How did it go?" Chloe asked, her expression full of concern.
Jisoo collapsed onto the couch, burying her face in her hands. "It was awful. They hate me. They think I'm a failure, a disgrace."
Vanessa sat beside her, pulling her into a hug. "They're just bitter. Don't let their nonsense get to you."
Asha nodded. "You're not a failure, Jisoo. You're one of the smartest, kindest people I know."
Chloe sat on her other side. "You don't have to prove anything to them. You're amazing just as you are."
Jisoo sniffled, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you guys."
Vanessa grinned. "You'd probably lose your mind, but don't worry. We're here to keep you sane."
For the first time all day, Jisoo smiled. Her relatives might never accept her, but her friends did—and that was enough.