AAE -- For Better For Worse

Part 2 -- Chapter 19

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

While their fathers are engaged in the house, Sun-Mi and Hyung-Chul remain on the porch. He is still kneeling where he was when the two men went inside, but she has sat down on the porch steps, next to Hyung-Chul, holding the rose idly in her hand.

 

"It's been over an hour!" she exclaims worriedly after checking her watch. "What can they be talking about for so long?"

 

"Let's be thankful that they're talking," he observes. "Things could be worse."

 

 

"Senior, why don't you get up?" Sun-Mi turns her attention to him. "What good is kneeling? My father said it wouldn't make any difference.

 

"I want to show my sincerity, like you did," Hyung-Chul refers to her actions when they visited his mother's grave.

 

"This is different," she disagrees. "You've done nothing wrong, that you have to kneel."

 

"It's not what your father believes. And that's what counts," he argues. "Does it bother you?"

 

"Actually, Senior, it's embarrassing!" she admits. "What will the neighbors think?"

 

"Why are you always so worried about the opinions of others?" he chides her. "You're being a coward."

 

"You don't know what it's like, being the target of mean-spirited gossip," she grumbles, remembering the morning when her neighbors had showered her with garbage and invectives. "Things are bad enough already. Please!"

 

 

As she is beseeching him, the door opens and Gui-Sung comes out with Hoe-Jang. Immediately, Sun-Mi stands and dips her head politely to Hoe-Jang as they approach Hyung-Chul.

 

"You can get up now, Son," Hoe-Jang pats his shoulder lightly. "Everything is settled."

 

Hyung-Chul slowly stands, stiff from kneeling on the hard stone for so long.

 

"It turns out we're comrades in arms," Gui-Sung informs them. "We both served in the same regiment, but at different times."

 

"Naturally, we had a lot to reminisce over, in addition to the state of our mutual current affairs," Hoe-Jang remarks, explaining their lengthy absence.

 

"I seem to have been harboring a misunderstanding," Gui-Sung explains, "but the Chairman set me straight."

 

"Chairman? Let's not stand on formality," Hoe-Jang responds. "After all, we're to be related soon."

 

 

Hearing this, Sun-Mi asks hopefully, "Daddy, does this mean we have your blessing?"

 

"How can I hold back now," he replies enthusiastically, "after Hoe-Jang has already given his?"

 

"Daddy! Thank you sooo much," she squeals with delight, giving him a spontaneous hug.

 

Gui-Sung beams happily, basking in his daughter's affectionate embrace. "Why didn't you tell me that you went to see him? I didn't know you were so plucky!"

 

 

"You have an exceptional daughter. I'm proud to have her as a daughter-in-law," Hoe-Jang praises Sun-Mi effusively. "However did an old coot like you raise such a talented and intelligent young woman?"

 

"Sometimes I ask myself that, too!" Gui-Sung jokes. "And I'd say the same about you and your son!"

 

The two men break out in boisterous, back-slapping laughter as Hyung-Chul and Sun-Mi look on, amazed by the unexpected change of circumstances.

 

 

"I'll go first," Hoe-Jang excuses himself, then extends a congenial invitation, "Please stop by soon and meet the family."

 

"I'll be sure to do that," Gui-Sung promises, offering, "Let me show you to the gate."

 

"Why, thank you."

 

The two men amble off together toward the gate.

 

 

"Are you in a rush? I'd like to get a closer look at that 'Benz," Gui-Sung requests.

 

"If you like, we can go for a drive," Hoe-Jang suggests.

 

"I'll take you up on that," Gui-Sung accepts.

 

 

Sun-Mi and Hyung-Chul remain on the porch, watching their fathers act as if they were life-long friends.

 

"That went well," Hyung-Chul understates his relief.

 

"Who could have guessed they'd hit it off so well?" Sun-Mi observes happily. "Now we can get married!"

 

Turning toward each other, they embrace joyfully, indulging the moment with a prolonged kiss.

 

 

At the gate, Hoe-Jang and Gui-Sung stop to watch the loving couple.

 

"Let's make that a long drive," Hoe-Jang suggests. "The car's well-stocked. Why don't we have round two?"

 

"Now, that's what I like to hear!" Gui-Sung laughs.