Ch.184184. Because All Parents Feel the Same Way

The conversation partner was the same, but the location had changed. I’m now sitting in Hwa Nabi’s family study. It’s a place that exudes an antique and classical atmosphere.

This is the third, no, maybe the fourth time we’re talking alone. While I was looking around curiously, the door clicked open and her father entered. He was holding two adorable coffee cups.

“Don’t stand, sit down.”

“Ah, yes.”

Judging by the subtle aroma, it’s coffee, but what’s that drawing on the cup? Looking closer, I see it’s a popular mascot character. So it’s not a coffee cup but a character mug.

“…Since there’s a young child in the house. Also, we were about to do the dishes, so we’re short on cups.”

Noticing my gaze, he awkwardly clears his throat and offers an explanation that isn’t really an explanation. I quickly shook my head.

“I don’t mind, please don’t worry about it.”

Continuing this topic would just make things uncomfortable for both of us. Let’s try not to focus on the cups. I sat down across from her father.

“So, was there traffic on your way here?”

“No, I was lucky and had an easy trip.”

“Lucky, you say… That’s right, luck is important. Especially for people like us.”

People like us? There seems to be some weight behind his words.

After making that meaningful remark, her father took a sip of coffee. As I sat quietly watching with my hands on my knees, he gestured toward the cup, encouraging me to drink.

“You… I mean, son-in-law, have some too.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

The fact that he corrected himself suggests he’s afraid of his wife’s reaction. Or perhaps they have a really good relationship. It’s probably both.

“It’s the 11th week of pregnancy, right?”

“12th week, Father.”

“12 weeks, and you found out not long ago?”

“Yes, we only found out after Nabi started having morning sickness. It’s been about two weeks since we found out.”

While on the topic, I explained our other plans. Plans before the birth, and plans after. The former involves the wedding and its details, while the latter concerns moving and academic matters.

Rather than glossing over things, it’s better to be clear about everything. From a parent’s perspective, that would be more reassuring.

“Hmm…”

After hearing the whole story and my plans, her father let out a sigh. He stroked his short beard and slowly closed his eyes. He must be thinking about many things. I would probably be the same in his position.

Even though we’re engaged, having a man who got your barely twenty-year-old daughter pregnant sitting in front of you… You’d have all sorts of thoughts.

“…Hmm.”

Realizing this anew, I couldn’t bring myself to look up. So I just stared at the table in the center, when her father crossed his arms.

“Honestly, when I first heard the news, I wondered if I should let this slide.”

“…”

“But after hearing your story, I feel somewhat relieved. My daughter’s fiancé doesn’t seem to be a completely thoughtless person.”

“Ah, thank you…”

I’m not sure if “thank you” is the right response. Well, at least it ended with just words?

To be honest, I was prepared to take a few hits, so if it ends like this, I guess I’m fortunate.

“Well, since she’s pregnant, it’s better for both of you to have the wedding soon. There will be people watching.”

I just nodded because every word was true. They say society is more open-minded these days, but there’s no need to broadcast it to everyone. For Hwa Nabi’s sake too, it’s better to avoid unnecessary gossip if possible.

“We can coordinate schedules for the family meeting, and since you said you’d handle the venue, we’ll pass on that. I’ll pass on the dowry list to Nabi’s side, so check it later at your leisure. Oh, when are you planning to send out invitations? And what about the suit and dress?”

“If things go well, they’ll be ready this week, or by next week at the latest. We’re still looking into wedding attire vendors. I want to hear Nabi’s opinion and choose carefully.”

“If nothing’s decided yet, how about trying a place I recommend? There’s a good studio in Cheongdam-dong.”

“Yes, if you give me the contact information, I’ll make time to go there with Nabi.”

“Good, anything else you need?”

“No. I think that’s enough for now. Um, Father.”

I hesitated to speak. I wondered if it was appropriate for me to say this. Her father urged me on with just his eyes, as if telling me to go ahead.

“Thank you.”

“Thank me? For what?”

“For giving permission for the marriage, for recommending the studio, and for everything else. I know you must be busy, so I really appreciate you looking after us.”

This was my sincere gratitude. Honestly, I hadn’t expected such wholehearted support. I thought I’d be lucky just to avoid being scolded, so this is truly more than I could ask for.

As I bowed my head in thanks, her father smiled faintly.

“No need for thanks, I’m doing it all for my child.”

“Still, I’m grateful. If I get the chance later, I’ll definitely…”

“If you’re really grateful, just take good care of my daughter. She still has many shortcomings, so I have trouble sleeping at night.”

He speaks like a parent watching their child venture into the world. I was about to say he shouldn’t worry too much, that she’s a capable person who will do well, but I stopped myself.

For parents, their children are like extensions of themselves, so they can’t help but worry.

“Yes, no matter what happens, I’ll take responsibility and be by her side.”

“Good, hearing that puts my mind at ease.”

Her father took a sip of coffee. It had cooled during our conversation, but a satisfied smile still appeared on his face.

“Oh, I forgot to ask.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Are you free next weekend, both days?”

“Um, yes. I am. But why…?”

Does he have something to discuss? Or is it about the studio? I asked with those expectations, but what came out of his mouth was completely different.

“I thought I’d teach you how to entertain people.”

“Uh, entertain…?”

“Let’s go fishing together.”

“…What?”

*

The plan was set, almost like I was pushed into it. Not golf, but fishing—something I’ve never experienced before, so I’m a bit nervous. But I figured it couldn’t be that difficult.

Isn’t it just attaching bait to a hook, throwing it in, and reeling it in when there’s a signal? From what I’ve seen on TV, it doesn’t look that hard.

“I’ll manage somehow…”

As I muttered this and entered the living room, Hwa Nabi, who had been waiting, approached me with a bright face. She had what looked like whipped cream on the corner of her mouth from something she’d been eating.

“Siwoo, is the talk over?”

“Yeah, I think it’s pretty much done.”

“What did Dad say? Did he say something like ‘over my dead body’ about giving away his daughter?”

Where did she watch such melodramatic shows? The mischief in her eyes makes it obvious she’s just teasing me. Annoyed, I gave her bottom a light tap.

“Eek!”

“He said he’s worried about you being alone, so I should take you away and live together soon.”

Embarrassed by the smack on her bottom, Hwa Nabi’s cheeks turned slightly red as she gently rubbed the area.

“Really? Dad wouldn’t say that.”

“Yes, really. He said he can’t sleep well at night because of you.”

“He’s never said that in front of me. He told you that?”

She grumbles, looking toward the study, seemingly upset. Worried this might cause trouble later, I quickly put my arm around her waist and patted her.

“You have something on your mouth.”

“Where, on the right?”

“No, the left.”

Her tongue poked out as she tried to wipe around her mouth, but it was in such a precise spot that she couldn’t remove it. After struggling for a while, Hwa Nabi glared at me.

“Are you lying to me?”

“Why would I lie about something like this?”

“Then remove it for me. I can’t tell where it is.”

Hwa Nabi cutely puckered her lips. Wait, is she not asking me to remove the cream but to kiss her?

As she even closed her eyes as if telling me to look at her, I hesitated briefly before extending my right hand. Then I gently wiped the cream from her left cheek.

“There, see? It was real.”

“What? Why didn’t you use your mouth?”

“…When is Narin coming? I should see her face before leaving.”

Ignoring her embarrassing comment in broad daylight, I changed the subject, which made her pout and let out a cute snort.

“Tch, you’re no fun. She said she’ll be here in about thirty minutes.”

“Really? What should we do while waiting?”

“I don’t know. Just sit over there and wait or whatever.”

Judging by her reaction, she seems a bit upset, but I know just the remedy for this. I gently kissed her on the cheek.

Smooch.

Then I quickly intertwined our fingers, holding her hand, while she continued to glare at me sulkily.

“You think this will make me forgive you?”

That means she wants another one. As requested, I kissed her other cheek too.

“…Ahem. Um, Siwoo?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“If you have nothing to do right now, want to see the room I used to use?”

“Why, suddenly want to go somewhere without prying eyes?”

When I asked teasingly, she tugged at my arm slightly. She’s telling me not to ask when I already know. Finding it cute, I gently stroked her head, which made her pretend not to understand with a prim face.

“What are you talking about? It’s not like that at all. I genuinely, purely wanted to show you the room I used to use.”

“Who said anything? It’s all killing two birds with one stone. See your room and also avoid people’s eyes.”

“It’s really not like that. Do I look like that kind of person to you?”

“Really? Then let’s go together.”

“…What? Go where?”

“Where else? Your old room. Let’s go see it.”

I’m genuinely curious about what Hwa Nabi’s room looked like during her school days, apart from setting the mood. All I know is what her rented apartment looks like. How did she decorate and live when she was with her family?

“Showing you isn’t difficult… but there’s really nothing special. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, I don’t mind. People’s rooms are all pretty similar anyway.”

“Ah, okay. Then let’s go. I’ll show you…”