Returning to Korea had brought comfort, but it also carried reality — the world they had avoided in Paris was waiting. Family, friends, expectations… all those small pressures suddenly felt louder than ever.
Ji-Hoon had invited Eun-Seo to his family home for dinner, a casual "welcome back" that Eun-Seo knew could easily become a test of patience and nerves.
As they arrived, the warm aroma of Korean home-cooked food filled the air. Eun-Seo's heart raced; she knew she would be meeting not just Ji-Hoon's parents, but also distant relatives — people who had heard of Ji-Hoon's flirtatious nature and might already have opinions.
Ji-Hoon noticed her apprehension and gently took her hand. "Relax. They'll love you. I promised."
Eun-Seo nodded, squeezing his hand. "I hope so."
---
First Impressions
They were greeted warmly by Ji-Hoon's mother, a woman with kind eyes but a sharp sense for observing character.
"Eun-Seo-ssi, welcome! Ji-Hoon has told us so much about you," she said, smiling.
Eun-Seo curtsied politely, feeling a mix of nerves and relief. "Thank you, ma'am. I'm happy to be here."
Ji-Hoon's father gave a polite nod. "Welcome. I hope you find our home comfortable."
Eun-Seo felt the tension ease slightly. The family seemed genuine, warm, and surprisingly easy to talk to.
Yet, just as she relaxed, Ji-Hoon's older cousin entered — a lively young woman named Ha-eun, who seemed overly curious about Ji-Hoon's Paris trip.
"So… how was Paris?" Ha-eun asked with a teasing smile. "I heard stories about Ji-Hoon's adventures with friends… and strangers?"
Eun-Seo's pulse quickened. Her grip on Ji-Hoon's hand tightened. Strangers? she thought, her mind flashing back to Paris memories.
Ji-Hoon noticed her reaction and leaned in subtly. "It was a normal trip," he said, smiling at Eun-Seo as if to reassure her.
Ha-eun raised an eyebrow but let it go, turning to comment on the food instead. Eun-Seo exhaled slowly, though her cheeks were still warm.
---
Subtle Tension
Dinner progressed, laughter filling the room. But Eun-Seo could feel the subtle weight of observation — relatives quietly judging, teasing, and whispering. Ji-Hoon was patient and attentive, making her feel like she belonged, yet she couldn't help noticing the occasional sideways glance from those around them.
After the main course, Ji-Hoon's mother asked, "Eun-Seo-ssi, do you have plans for your career? Or… are you focusing on Ji-Hoon now?"
Eun-Seo blushed. "I… I'm flexible. Right now, I'm happy being with Ji-Hoon."
Ji-Hoon squeezed her hand gently. His parents exchanged a look, nodding subtly — pleased.
But Eun-Seo could sense the underlying pressure. Marrying someone like Ji-Hoon wasn't just about love. There were expectations: social, familial, and cultural.
---
A Private Conversation
After dinner, Ji-Hoon guided Eun-Seo to the balcony. The city lights shimmered below them, distant but dazzling. Eun-Seo leaned against the railing, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
"I didn't expect all that… attention," she admitted softly.
Ji-Hoon wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't let it bother you. My family cares because they want what's best. And as for everyone else… we don't need to prove anything to them."
"But what if I can't meet their expectations? What if I fail?" Eun-Seo whispered, voice trembling.
Ji-Hoon lifted her chin gently, forcing her to look at him. "Eun-Seo, listen to me. I chose you — over the past, over rumors, over anyone else. You are enough. You are more than enough. And nothing, not even family expectations, can change that."
Eun-Seo felt warmth flood her chest. "Ji-Hoon…"
He leaned in, brushing his lips softly against hers — not like the passionate kiss in Paris, but gentle, grounding, and full of reassurance.
"I'll always remind you," he whispered. "Every day."
Her heart raced, but for the first time since returning, she felt confident. Whatever the world expected, they were together — and that was stronger than any pressure.
---
A Late-Night Walk
Later, Ji-Hoon suggested a walk to calm their minds. The quiet streets of their neighborhood were familiar, yet every corner seemed brighter with him beside her.
"Do you think it will always be like this?" Eun-Seo asked. "Family, society, expectations… it feels like it never ends."
Ji-Hoon smiled. "No, it won't. Life isn't easy. But we'll face it together. I won't let anything make you doubt us."
She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You really mean that?"
"Every word," he said, wrapping an arm around her.
They walked in silence, hand in hand, letting the night wrap them in its calm embrace. Eun-Seo realized that love wasn't about perfection — it was about trust, support, and choosing each other every day.
And for the first time in Korea, back in the real world, she felt at home.