AAE -- For Better For Worse

Chapter 16

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

Hyung-Chul turns the car into the lane leading to Sun-Mi's house. On their return to Seoul, it had started raining. The rhythmic swish of the wiper blades is the only sound breaking the silence between them.

 

He pulls up to the gate and notices all traces of the flowers delivered that morning were gone. Not a petal remains. Just like his hopes had vanished, too.

 

Sun-Mi immediately takes off her seatbelt, then pauses for a breath, hand poised on the door handle.

 

One last chance for him to say something -- anything.

 

 

Hyung-Chul glances at her, then away. He decides it is better to leave things as they are, rather than dig a deeper hole.

 

"Good night. Sweet dreams."

 

Sun-Mi manages a faint smile. "Good night, Senior."

 

 

Just then, Sun-Mi's father appears at the gate, holding an umbrella.

 

"Sun-Mi!" he calls out.

 

Sun-Mi looks at her father, then Hyung-Chul, gauging his reaction. She gets out of the car, clutching the bouquet.

 

Hyung-Chul hesitates, then also gets out, umbrella in hand.

 

 

Sun-Mi runs up under the cover of her father's umbrella.

 

"What are you doing, Daddy?"

 

"I saw the headlights, and thought you might need an umbrella."

 

 

Hyung-Chul walks up and dips his head politely. "Hello."

 

Gui-Sung squints through the rain. "Oh hi. It's been a while. Why not come in for a visit?"

 

Sun-Mi's eyes widen. "Daddy!"

 

Gui-Sung grins. "Why not?"

 

 

They walk toward the house, Sun-Mi close beside her father. Hyung-Chul following them. He smiles quietly.

 

Gui-Sung folds his umbrella. He turns to Hyung-Chul. "Director, I'd like a moment."

 

Sun-Mi's eyes widen. She glances at her father, then at Hyung-Chul. "But, Daddy..."

 

Gui-Sung's voice is firm. "Sun-Mi, go in and get refreshments ready for our guest."

 

"Yes, Daddy."

 

 

After she disappears into the house, Gui-Sung's tone turns solemn. "Tell me straight -- what are your intentions for my daughter?"

 

Hyung-Chul is taken aback. He had only exchanged pleasantries with Sun-Mi's father once before -- just a quick hello and goodbye. What has Sun-Mi told him? Anything at all?

 

He looks directly into Gui-Sung's eyes and answers crisply, "I want to marry her."

 

 

The older man nods slowly. "I thought as much. And what does Sun-Mi think?"

 

Hyung-Chul grins sheepishly. "I don't know. We haven't discussed it."

 

"I see. Forgive me for asking like this. But as her father, my daughter's best interests come first."

 

"I understand."

 

"Sun-Mi's still grieving Kim Woo-Jin. They grew up together -- childhood friends. Woo-Jin was her first love."

 

"I know. She told me."

 

"Then you must know how fragile she is right now," Gui-Sung cautions. "If you hurt Sun-Mi, I won't forgive you. She's precious to me."

 

"Sun-Mi is precious to me, too."

 

Gui-Sung's face brightens. "Good. Let's go inside!"

 

 

Inside, the house is warm and bright. Sun-Mi is in the kitchen, preparing snacks. She has changed into a casual pink sweater and white pencil skirt.

 

She calls, "Snacks are ready in a minute."

 

"Please, have a seat," Gui-Sung gestures to the living room.

 

He goes into the kitchen to take a glass from the cabinet. But Hyung-Chul lingers, watching Sun-Mi.

 

 

The two men walk into the living room together and sit.

 

"I hope you like this," Gui-Sung says.

 

Hyung-Chul reaches for the bottle. "Let me pour."

 

"No, allow me. You're our guest."

 

Gui-Sung glances toward the kitchen as he pours, demanding, "Sun-Mi, what's the holdup?"

 

 

She quickly brings two plates out, her expression taut. Without a glance at Hyung-Chul, she looks directly at her father.

 

"You've had enough, Daddy!" she scolds, her voice sharp.

 

 

Ignoring her, Gui-Sung turns to Hyung-Chul. "I didn't know if I'd see you again, so I'm glad I went out."

 

They clink their glasses. Tip them up and drain them.

 

 

Sun-Mi sits down and places the snack plates on the coffee table.

 

"Ahh! Add some." Gui-Sung holds his out.

 

Hyung-Chul pours another round. "Sorry I didn't have the chance to visit sooner."

 

Sun-Mi interjects, "But Senior, you have to drive!"

 

Hyung-Chul hesitates, holding his glass, and looks toward Gui-Sung.

 

Gui-Sung scoffs. "Sun-Mi, be quiet!"

 

He turns to Hyung-Chul. "Isn't she bothersome?"

 

 

Hyung-Chul finishes his drink. Glances at Gui-Sung. Smiles at Sun-Mi. "She is."

 

The two men laugh.

 

"She's always been this way," Gui-Sung remarks, "She can't drink much, so she doesn't understand why we like it."

 

 

Hyung-Chul pours another glass for Gui-Sung.

 

Gui-Sung glances between Sun-Mi and Hyung-Chul and laughs. "It will be hard to live with her. You poor guy."

 

 

Reaching over to her father, Sun-Mi mouths silently, "Daddy, Daddy."

 

He looks at her. "You don't agree?"

 

 

Hyung-Chul interrupts, grinning, "I'll just have to put up with it."

 

Gui-Sung smiles. "Good. That's good."

 

He empties his glass, then picks up the bottle and offers, "More?"

 

Hyung-Chul holds out his glass, "All right."

 

 

Sun-Mi frowns, "You'll have to take a cab home, Senior."

 

"Just stay here tonight," Gui-Sung suggests.

 

Sun-Mi gapes. "Daddy what are you thinking?!"

 

"Why not?"

 

Hyung-Chul replies, "If it's not a burden."

 

"None at all."

 

"Director Yoon doesn't have a change of clothes," Sun-Mi protests. "And where will he sleep? On the couch?"

 

"Couch? He'll sleep in your room, of course," her father states flatly. "You can share with me."

 

 

"But ... he'll be alone, in MY room!" she exclaims. "That's not appropriate!"

 

Gui-Sung's eyes twinkle. "Are you suggesting that he share the room with you?"

 

Hyung-Chul chokes back a chuckle.

 

Aghast, Sun-Mi flushes crimson. "Daddy!"

 

Gui-Sung waves his hand dismissively. "It's decided. End of discussion!"