AAE -- For Better For Worse

Chapter 16

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

At his front door, under the protection of the porch roof, Gui-Sung folds his umbrella and turns to Hyung-Chul.

 

"Director, I'd like a moment," he requests, then tells Sun-Mi, "Go inside and get refreshments ready for our guest."

 

Though curious about what her father has to say to Hyung-Chul, she complies, "Yes, Daddy."

 

 

Gui-Sung waits until Sun-Mi has gone in before asking, "Tell me straight. What are your intentions for my daughter?"

 

The question surprises Hyung-Chul, but he answers honestly, "I want to marry her."

 

The older man nods. "I thought as much. What does Sun-Mi think about that?"

 

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

 

"I see. Forgive me for asking such personal questions, but as her father, I have my daughter's best interests at heart."

 

"I understand."

 

"Sun-Mi has taken Kim Woo-Jin's death very hard. As children, they grew up together, and Woo-Jin -- he was her first love."

 

"She told me that."

 

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

 

"That is the last thing I want to do," Hyung-Chul avows. "Sun-Mi is precious to me, too."

 

Gui-Sung's face brightens. "I'm glad we agree. Let's go inside!"

 

 

When the two men enter the house, Sun-Mi is in the kitchen, preparing snacks. While they were talking, she had changed from her work suit into more casual clothes, a light pink sweater and white skirt.

 

"I'll be done in a minute," she informs the men of her progress.

 

"Please, have a seat," Gui-Sung directs Hyung-Chul as he goes into the kitchen to take a glass from the cabinet.

 

 

But Hyung-Chul lingers by the kitchen, watching Sun-Mi, and they move into the living room together.

 

"I'm not sure if you'll like the alcohol," Gui-Sung frets, knowing that Hyung-Chul is probably used to the priciest liquors available.

 

"I'll pour it for you," Hyung-Chul suggests.

 

Gui-Sung demurs, "No, no, you're the guest."

 

He glances toward the kitchen as he pours, demanding, "Sun-Mi, where's the food?"

 

 

Sun-Mi quickly brings two plates out. Unhappy at the situation her father has put her in, she lets him know she expects that the drinking will be done soon, "Daddy, you've had enough!"

 

But Gui-Sung ignores her, turning his attention back to Hyung-Chul. "I thought you'd never come again, so I was a little sad."

 

 

They clink their glasses and drain them as Sun-Mi sits down in the chair next to her father and places the snack plates on the coffee table.

 

"Ahh! Here. Add some to my glass." Gui-Sung holds his out.

 

Hyung-Chul, pouring another round, apologizes, "I'm sorry. I didn't have an opportunity to visit you."

 

Trying to stop the drinking, Sun-Mi points out, "Senior, you'll be driving!"

 

Hyung-Chul, holding his glass at the ready, hesitates and looks towards Gui-Sung.

 

Gui-Sung turns to Sun-M and remarks, "Sun-Mi, you're being so bothersome."

 

 

He then jokes to Hyung-Chul. "She's bothersome, isn't she?"

 

Hyung-Chul finishes his drink, glances at Gui-Sung, then smiles at Sun-Mi. "Yes."

 

The two men share a laugh.

 

"She's always been like that," Gui-Sung comments, "She can't handle alcohol. So she doesn't know the joys of drinking."

 

 

Hyung-Chul pours another glass for Gui-Sung and agrees, "That's right. Since she can't be a drinking partner she's no fun to be around."

 

Looking between Sun-Mi and Hyung-Chul, Gui-Sung thinks of Hyung-Chul's earlier confession and laughs as he jokes again, "It would be hard for you to live with her. Poor you."

 

 

The joking at Sun-Mi's expense -- particularly the presumption of marriage -- raises her hackles. She reaches over to her father, hoping to move the conversation on, mouthing silently, "Dad, Dad."

 

Gui-Sung turns to Sun-Mi, tired of her nagging. "What?"

 

 

Hyung-Chul interrupts the exchange between father and daughter, joking, "In that case, I'll just have to bear with it."

 

Gui-Sung smiles, "Really? Ok, then, shall we?"

 

He empties his glass. "Have another drink," he offers.

 

Hyung-Chul complies, holding out his glass, "All right."

 

 

As they continue to drink over her objections, Sun-Mi frets, "You may have to leave your car here, Senior."

 

"Why leave it here and go? Spend the night here," Gui-Sung offers. "It's late."

 

Caught by surprise, Sun-Mi protests, "Daddy!"

 

"What? Why not?"

 

 

Sun-Mi looks over to Hyung-Chul for support, but he has his own agenda.

 

He grins, "If it's not a burden on you."

 

"Not at all," Gui-Sung assures him.

 

Wanting to quash the idea, Sun-Mi throws up obstacles. "Director Yoon doesn't have a change of clothes. And where will he sleep? The couch isn't very comfortable."

 

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

 

 

The thought of Hyung-Chul rummaging about her personal things affronts Sun-Mi's sense of privacy. "But ... he'll be alone, in MY room!" she complains. "That's not appropriate!"

 

"Are you suggesting that the Director sleep in the same room with you?" Gui-Sung jests with a twinkle in his eye, giving a wink to Hyung-Chul.

 

Aghast, Sun-Mi protests vehemently, "Daddy!!! You know what I meant!"

 

But Gui-Sung is adamant, "It's decided, then. End of discussion!"