Ho and Shin Hye were sitting inside his parked car by her family’s restaurant. They were still smiling widely, thinking about how the night had gone. Thankfully, Shin Hye’s Father stopped giving him alcohol after the second glass. They had to deal with so many questions from her Mother though, including what they liked about each other, how they got together, what they did last Christmas. She gushed story after story, and almost cried again when Shin Hye told her about the bracelet in the bag. Her Father just sat there, trying not to wince at the cheesiness, and subduing her Mother when she got too emotional.
When Min Ho finally said goodbye, her parents told him to come over to their house on a night when he wasn’t busy. He blushed and promised that as soon as he’s free, he’ll let Shin Hye know.
Inside the car, Shin Hye turned to Min Ho. ‘Thank you, oppa.’
He looked at her and took her hand. ‘For what? I’m the one who should thank you for trusting me enough to let me meet your parents,’ he said warmly. He hadn’t expected her parents’ reaction. He had hoped for it, but he didn’t anticipate it would be so positive.
‘Thank you for saying all those wonderful things,’ she replied, biting her lip. ‘No one has said those about me before.’
He let go of her hand, and turned his body to face her. He lifted his hand and gently touched her cheek with his palm. ‘I want you to know I meant every word.’
‘I still feel like this is a dream sometimes,’ she replied softly. ‘Makes me scared of waking up.’
He put his other hand on her other cheek and placed his face close to hers. ‘This is real. Don’t even think for a second that none of this is true,’ he kissed her forehead before looking at her again. ‘I’m not going anywhere.’
She smiled as he let go, Min Ho sighing happily. ‘Two down, two more to go,’ he said as he put his hands on the steering wheel. ‘When is your photo shoot again?’
Shin Hye looked at him curiously. ‘For Singles Magazine? On Monday. Why?’
‘So you’re free tomorrow?’ He asked.
Shin Hye nodded her head.
‘Whenever my sister and I are free on Sundays, we usually have lunch at our parents’ house. Sometimes, friends come along,’ he told her casually. He saw Shin Hye shift nervously in her seat. He smirked. ‘I’d love for you to meet my family.’
Shin Hye’s mouth opened slightly, bit her lower lip, then smiled awkwardly. ‘I’m nervous.’
Min Ho chuckled. ‘Don’t be. They’re going to love you. So will you come?’
Shin Hye nodded her head. ‘Of course.’ She was smiling widely for a while, until her expression suddenly changed. Min Ho saw her look of worry as she opened the car door.
He held her arm back. ‘Wait. Where are you going?’
‘Me? Back to the restaurant,’ she said hurriedly.
‘Why? I thought we were going to drive around?’
Shin Hye shook her head. ‘That was before you sprung the family lunch on me. I have to get my Mom’s recipe for her chocolate brownies now.’
‘Eh?’
‘I can’t go to your parents’ house empty-handed, can I? And since I can’t go to China on short notice, I will have to just show them my cooking skills.’
Min Ho laughed. ‘How do I know you’re really the one who baked the brownies and not your Mom?’
She scowled. ‘Fine. I’ll bring the ingredients to your place tomorrow morning and bake it there. That way, I can show you, too. Do you have an oven?’
Min Ho’s eyes brightened at the thought of Shin Hye visiting and cooking at his place. ‘My kitchen has everything.’
‘Alright, I’ll see you then. Text me your address. I’ll be careful,’ she gave him a kiss on the cheek before going out hastily.
Min Ho watched her walk back to the restaurant, feeling pleased and excited. He smiled heartily before driving off.
When Shin Hye arrived in Min Ho’s building, she quickly made her way up to his place. She was wearing a cap, dark shades and a thick scarf – it was hard to see her face. She also wore an oversized coat that covered most of her clothes. She looked around before ringing the doorbell. Min Ho opened the door, wearing a casual tee and jogging pants, looking like he just came out of the shower. Shin Hye smiled shyly.
‘Good morning,’ she said.
Min Ho grinned and took the plastic bags she brought from her hand. ‘Good morning. Come in.’