Chapter Text
“I want to go over the marketing department’s proposal again. Is there space in my schedule for tomorrow?” Jimin asks as she hangs her blazer up.
“You’re available mid afternoon tomorrow after the beta testing.” Aeri scrolls through the schedule on her large tablet, already making the event and contacting those who need to be there.
Jimin looks out the window to admire the cloudy horizon. “That would give them sufficient time to prepare. Well, they should have already started preparation since our last meeting. Hopefully they’ll be better prepared this time.” She flops into her office chair with a big sigh, pausing for a moment before rolling her sleeves up.
“That meeting was definitely something.” Aeri shakes her head in disappointment. “You give them too much grace sometimes.”
“I know, I know. But I can’t help it. They’re still adjusting with their new department head.”
It’s not easy being the CEO at her age of AE Technology, one of the top tech companies in the country.
Only four years ago did Yu Jimin start working at her parents’ company in the software department after graduating from university. She was enjoying it, learning things from the industry and eventually rising up in position through her hard work and skills.
It was about a year ago when her parents had called her and her sister to have dinner with them, an uncommon event due to their different schedules. They were having a nice dinner: good conversation, good food, and overdue family time. When her father started talking about giving Jimin a bigger role in the company, taking over his position as CEO was the last thing she had in mind.
Especially since she was trying not to be a product of nepotism.
Despite everything, Jimin tries her best to have a heart and not let business take over her morals. In a dog-eat-dog world, humility really sets one apart in both good ways and bad. Good because people trust her and aren’t scared to death in every interaction. Bad because many see it as weakness.
She survives each day. She hasn’t disappointed her parents… yet. The company hasn’t crashed and burned.
“You okay?” Aeri asks as she watches Jimin slump in her chair. “I noticed you didn’t really eat the food at the luncheon.”
“I’m fine.” She blankly stares at her desk as her hands lightly grip the armrests. She blinks and regains the focus in her eyes, turning to the other. “Is there anything else?”
Aeri gives her a small smile. “Don’t starve yourself.” With a flick of her hair, she makes her way out of the CEO’s office. “Byeee.”
Jimin laughs to herself. Her secretary is one of the two people holding down her sanity, the other person being her older sister.
Joohyun has been acting off for the past month. They used to have lunch together at least three times a week. They used to call every night to talk about their day at work or even updates from her unnie about her boyfriend. Her unnie didn’t even go to their father’s birthday dinner two weeks ago.
Jimin has tried to contact her, but she’s been left on seen or voicemail. She even tried visiting her at work, but all she got from the front desk was “she’s refusing visitors today. Would you like to schedule an appointment?” which was appalling really, because while Jimin hates using her family for privileges (and it always works), it couldn’t be used for her own sister?
But then, out of nowhere— a reply. Well, a message since it had no connection to Jimin’s texts. It was sent at five in the morning, a whole hour before Jimin usually wakes up.
“Gather the family for dinner tonight. 7 pm @ (restaurant)”
Her parents were elated at the breakfast table when she told them, but Jimin couldn’t stop preparing for the worst. What if this, what if that, what if?
“Just a few more hours…” she sighs to herself.
———
“Okay good. Let’s go back to measure twenty-three. Can I hear just the violins please?” Minjeong conducts them through a few measures before stopping. “Don’t fall behind after that triplet on measure thirty. Try it again.”
From the equipment room, two women observe the orchestra rehearsal. “You know, I’m quite a fan of Kim Taeri. You think you could get me her autograph? Tell her I really liked her debut movie.”
“Girl, just do it yourself. The next time I see her will be at the first draft screening, which you’ll be at too.”
Yizhuo scoffs. “Ugh, fine. What’s the use of having a director friend if I don’t even get to meet the actors you work with?”
Ryujin looks her up and down with a raised eyebrow. “Geez, what a great friend you are.”
“I was kidding.” Yizhuo folds her arms as she turns her attention back to the rehearsal. “How’s the editing going?”
“It’s been alright.” Ryujin shrugs. “I can’t wait to put your music to it. You guys have done a beautiful job from what I’ve heard so far,” she says sincerely, with a hand to her heart.
“Oh please, you and I both know Minjeong is the real brain behind it. And the heart. She composes like no other.” She watches as Minjeong waves the baton, her face showing approval with every furrow of her brow or purse of her lips. “I just help arrange.”
“And that’s why I chose you two for the movie’s soundtrack.”
Minjeong claps her hands. “Alright, good job everyone. Don’t forget that next rehearsal, we’ll be doing piece three. Review the notes.” She hears Yizhuo and Ryujin offer applause from the room. “Seems like Director Shin is happy with your work today too. Get home safely everyone.”
As the orchestra packs up their instruments and sheet music, Minjeong makes her way to the room. “What do you think so far?” she asks with expecting eyes.
“It’s beautiful, Minjeong. Really. I still can’t understand how you can compose these from watching the film clips.” Ryujin hands her a bottle of banana milk. “Here. You’ve worked hard. Thank you for the music, Minjeong.” She puts on a charming smile. “Anyway, I better get going. I hate rush hour. I’ll see you guys next week.” She gives them both a bow before leaving.
Minjeong’s face immediately scrunches the moment the director is gone. “Do you think the dynamics were okay with the brass and strings? I feel like the strings are overpowering towards the end. Like, very in your face.”
Yizhuo just looks at her before her mouth breaks into a big smile. “You’re such a perfectionist.” Seeing that Minjeong won’t back down without an answer, she rolls her eyes. “Fine. I recorded the last run. Let’s review it before making any changes.” She pulls up the recording on the computer and forces the other to sit.
Minjeong can be quite a perfectionist. She’s always had a gift for music, but it’s for nothing if she doesn’t work on improving her craft.
Her whole life, she’s loved watching movies not just for the plot but for the music too. She has always adored the way music can heighten the emotions of a scene, making the viewers feel things more intensely; conveying how the characters feel without words; audible story telling.
Action, sci-fi, drama, horror, coming-of-age— you name it. Every genre needs a good soundtrack. It’s something so important that goes very easily over people’s heads and is so under appreciated.
Minjeong gives thanks everyday for the opportunity to live out her dream. It’s definitely a niche career, yet still difficult to be successful in as the music industry usually is. One of her works had been nominated last year in one of the biggest film awards of country. Though it didn’t take home the award, she counts it as a win.
The hours and hours spent writing, pages and pages of digital and paper sheet music used, and sleepless nights wracking her brain for inspiration account for her success. Though, Minjeong can’t deny her luck. She’s lucky to have the connections she has, especially the ones that got her foot into the industry in the first place. She’s lucky to have been in the right places at the right time.
Though her parents questioned her ambition at first, they had no reasons not to support when Minjeong was getting scholarships after scholarships for music at school. When she got an offer to a prestigious university in the U.S., they were scared to let her go. But Minjeong doesn’t give up so easily and promised to not let the chance go to waste.
Music is her life. It makes Minjeong cringe, but it’s the truth. She wakes up and goes to sleep thinking about music. Call it a hyperfixation that never ends. Yizhuo jokes about how there’s more space in Minjeong’s heart for her guitar than Yizhuo herself.
“I’m home,” Minjeong says as she takes her shoes off at the door.
Her mother pops her head around the corner. “Minjeong, welcome home! Have you eaten yet?”
“I’m not really hungry.” She notices her mother alone in the kitchen. “Is Appa home?”
“There’s an event at the restaurant. Some kind of team building for the chefs. I told him to bring home food so I don’t have to cook anymore, but who knows when he’ll come home.” Mrs. Kim continues to chop the vegetables with ease, having learned many techniques from her chef husband.
“Do you need any help, Umma?”
“Ay, I’m okay. You go rest, my little musician. I’ll wait for your Appa.” Before Minjeong could respond, her mother is already pushing her into her room, saying she needs a fresh mind for music.
As Minjeong looks at the mess of sheet music and instruments in her room, she sighs and tells herself she’ll clean it up tomorrow. Like what she told herself yesterday. And the day before.
She’s been feeling more solitary recently than before. Maybe it has something to do with the theme of the movie they’re part of or the tones of music she’s composed recently, but she’s noticed how lonely her work can be. She doesn’t clock into an office everyday and is always surrounded by coworkers. She doesn’t have weekly meetings or reports. She doesn’t exactly have a boss who tells her what to do. She doesn’t have company trips or team building activities.
Yes, she has these directors and producers she meets with. Yes, she has the musicians who make up the ensemble, but she really isn’t friends with any of them. There are just no opportunities to become more than acquaintances.
Ning Yizhuo has been her one constant. The younger doesn’t really call herself her partner because she claims Minjeong does all the work, but Minjeong credits her every time anyway.
After washing up, Minjeong takes another look at her room, the pile of sheet music seemingly calling to her. She squints and weighs out her options for a minute before finally putting her hands on her holds. “Alright, alright, I’ll clean you guys up.”
She really should clean her room more often.
———
Jimin’s unnie stood on business. No beating around the bush. No fake smiles or small talk. She didn’t even let any of them take a bite of the food she ordered for them.
“What do you mean you’re taking yourself out of the picture?” Mother Yu asks with concern and confusion.
Joohyun’s face remains stoic. “I don’t want any part of the company. No inheritance. No shares. No attachment in any form.”
“W-why?” Father Yu lets out a laugh of disbelief. “Are you hearing yourself? Have you gone mad?”
“I’ve already talked to the legal team. If you sign and allow me to leave, there will be no problems. If you don’t…” She rises from her chair. “I’ll leak every single blueprint and code to our competitors. Your choice.”
Her father catches her arm before she takes a step away. “Did we do something? Let’s talk it out. No need for drastic measures.”
Mother Yu raises her voice. “You can’t just leave! This company is our family. Why do you want to leave the family?”
Joohyun raises her left hand, showing what had gone unnoticed on her fourth finger: a ring. “I have my own now. And you never bothered to notice or to care.”
She strides out before any of them could recover from the shock and catch up to her. The parents start fussing and questioning in raised tones, appalled at the situation, releasing their initial reactions of anger and frustration.
Jimin just gapes. She feels like she should’ve seen it coming. Why didn’t I see this coming? She has so many questions and no answers. How could someone she trusts with anything and everything not tell her? How can her role model not want to be part of their family anymore? Is it me?
Yet, with how her sister didn’t spare her a single glance earlier, there’s a sliver of hope that she still wants to be Jimin’s sister; that she’s not part of the problem.
“Yu Jimin.” She barely registers her parents calling for her.
“Yes?” she responds quietly, her mind returning to the present.
“Did you know?”
Jimin hesitates, unsure how to respond. Her eyes bounce back between her father and mother. If Joohyun had told her beforehand, she wouldn’t be frozen in her seat right now.
“Yu Jimin,” her father repeated sternly with a grumble in his voice. “Did. You. Know.”
She swallows a lump in her throat she didn’t know she had. “No,” she whispers. “No, she didn’t tell me.”
Her mother whimpers. “Oh, what are we going to do?”
“We bring this to the board.” Her father exhales heavily through his nose. “Though we already know what they’ll say. They wouldn’t risk giving our competitors an advantage.” He turns to Jimin, hands clenched and jaw locked. “Jimin?”
Jimin realizes he wasn’t asking her to be his daughter or a sister. He is asking her as the leader of the company at the moment.
Jimin tries her best to have a heart.
She stands abruptly with determination in her eyes. “Let me talk to her.” Running outside and already dialing her sister’s phone, she fishes for her car keys in her bag.
“Have you decided already?” Joohyun says the moment she picks up the phone.
“Unnie, where are you? I just wanna talk.”
“Why? What do you want to hear?” The ice in her sister’s voice pierces Jimin’s chest.
She can’t hide the pain in her voice. “I want to hear the truth from my sister. Because I love you.” The line is quiet. Jimin hops into her car and just listens. She listens for a breath, a sound, anything.
“…I love you too, Jimin. But I’ve made my choice.”
There’s sincerity and warmth in her unnie’s voice, but it doesn’t make it hurt less.
“You’re still my sister. I’ll tell you in due time. But please don’t try to stop me.”
“Unnie—“
*beep beep beep*
All Jimin can do is stare at her phone; Joohyun’s contact left on the screen. She’s conflicted, yet at the same time she knows exactly what to do. If she truly loved her sister, she would respect her choice. If she was to lead the company properly, she would do what her sister asks.
It feels selfish to have to make this choice.
She shouldn’t have to choose. Her sister and the company are both important. One doesn’t replace the other.
It’s just for a time. Like her unnie said: in due time.
For now, she’ll be her parents’ daughter and CEO of the company.
The next day, word spreads fast throughout the building. Jimin isolated herself to her office to avoid stares and whispers, but Aeri gives her updates whenever she comes by.
The secretary busts into the office with her hands up in disbelief. “Girl, I mean— Chief… girl. You’re not gonna believe this. Latest discussion from the board of directors. Greedy bastards.” She slams her palms into the desk, making Jimin flinch. “Basically, you can’t be the sole heiress of the company. Because! They’re going to try and sabotage you in multiple ways so that the power goes to someone else— Someone more dependable with the board; Someone who plays dirty; Someone outside of the family!”
Jimin blinks. “They said all that?”
“No, but it was implied,” Aeri chimes. “They are talking about you being the sole heiress now though. Wait until you hear what your parents said!”
“What did they say?”
“They—“
The door busts open again, her mother and father walking in hastily. “Jimin, we need to talk,” her father starts.
The young CEO stands to greet her parents. “Yes?”
“The board—“
“I already told her,” Aeri interrupts. Only she can do that without repercussions given how she’s practically their daughter and was also Father Yu’s secretary before Jimin was handed the role.
“Did you tell her the marriage part?”
“MARRIAGE?!” Jimin exclaims.
Aeri gives her a sheepish smile. “Maybe you should sit down for this.” She pulls Jimin by the shoulders back into her chair.
“Your father and I think it would be best if you marry.”
“What does that have to do with anything?!” Jimin keeps herself calm and collected as a person of her position, but around her family (and especially in a ridiculous situation like so), she tends to revert to being the over-the-top maknae she is.
“Think about it. You wouldn’t be targeted anymore, the Yu family would expand, and you’ll have a loving partner by your side. Plus, you’re already twenty-eight. It’s the perfect time to get married.” Mother Yu strokes Jimin’s hair, offering reassurance.
Her father nods. “We can’t let them use this to their advantage, Jimin.” He looks her straight in the eyes. “We can’t let them bring our family down.”
The room is quiet for a few seconds, gears turning in Jimin’s head. “Okay, wait.” She swats away Aeri’s and her mother’s hands away from her and makes her way to the middle of the room.
“Viable reasons. But…” She waves her hands around mindlessly. “How? Who? When? I don’t know if you remember, but I’m currently single. Who would I marry? I certainly can’t just date anyone. A-and would we have to get married right away? What if it doesn’t work out? What if it makes this worse? How—“
Her father holds a hand up. “We’ll work out the details. What we need is a yes or no from you.” He comes closer and squeezes her arm. “Will you do this, Jimin?”
In truth, Jimin is livid. She’s a romantic. She loves love and everything that comes with it: the talking stage, the walks in the park, the nervous confessions, the hand holding, the shared tears, and the kisses that mean something. She wants to marry the love of her life, not someone her parents chose for her.
But she’s come to unlearn her selfish ways and to think of the greater good. Even if it means sacrificing some of her wants.
She looks at her father, and then her mother, and then Aeri (who is smiling way too big right now.)
Jimin huffs through her nose. “I have one condition.”
“What is it?”
“No one should know it’s arranged. Not the board, not the news, no one.”
Her father raises an eyebrow. “And why is that?”
“Because that’s all everyone will think it is: business. I don’t want the marriage to be just that.” Her life is controlled by business enough as it is.
Because Jimin really does try to have a heart and be human. She’s not a puppet nor a robot. She is not bound by a tight leash. She wants every shade of gray in between the blacks and whites of the simpleminded.
“Of course, Jimin. We’ll protect you.”
Mother Yu comes and cradles her face and strokes her hair. “Don’t worry, our daughter. We’ll find you a wonderful husband.”
Jimin crosses her arms. “Wife,” she corrects.
“Oh. Right. I forgot.” Her mother gestures vaguely to her. “Girls.”
“Mom, it’s been years since I told you.”
“And yet you’ve never had a girlfriend! So forgive me for forgetting.”
Aeri snorts and Jimin sends her a glare. Her mother can be so sassy sometimes.
“Well, we better start preparing then! See you at home, Jimin. Keep working hard!”
And with that, the office is quiet again after the door shuts. Jimin stares, as if she’s trying to excise any remaining presence from her parents.
Aeri gives her a look of concern. The other knows what’s going through her head.
“You really haven’t told them about Mi—“
“No. I told you, they don’t need to know.” Jimin turns to the windows in thought. Pursing her lips, she asks curiously, “Would I be a good wife?”
Aeri rolls her eyes. “Don’t ask me stupid questions.”
———
“Alright, ready?” Yizhuo says through the mic.
Minjeong gives a smile to each of the instrumentalists. “Ready?” As she gets nods of confirmation, she gives Yizhuo the okay sign.
“Okay, take one.”
Minjeong gives two three-counts before cueing the string quartet. They’re currently recording the song that will be used for the most emotional scene in the film. Minjeong felt inspired to use only a string quartet so it doesn’t feel overbearing, but provides enough harmony to hit one to the core.
The scene in the film had made Minjeong cry uncontrollably when she first watched it. She hated Ryujin at that moment because how could someone make a scene so heart wrenching and so real? Though, Minjeong’s tears were the validation the director needed.
Despite it being a scene she could relate to, the music could not come easily. It brought some unwanted memories back to the surface— ones she thought she had shoved to the farthest place of her mind that it could never resurface. It took her a whole three months to finally finish the piece.
But Minjeong tries to focus on the notes and sounds right now, not whatever emotional baggage this song carries. The cellist is doing a fantastic job on the solo, the strings sounding crisp through her headphones. She sees the intense focus on all of the musician’s faces as they watch her for the last few measures of sustained notes and descending volume. She flicks her baton to end the song.
The composer doesn’t realize there are tears on her cheeks until she sees a drop on her sheet music.
“Minjeong, what do you think?” A pause. “Are you okay?” Yizhuo asks when she sees Minjeong’s face. The latter is so glad Yizhuo is only speaking through her headphones, not the loud speaker.
She wipes her tears away and gives a smile to the quartet. “Let’s take five, everyone. Great job.”
When Minjeong looks through the glass, she’s surprised to see Ryujin there, also teary-eyed. Clearing her throat, she steps out of the live room.
“Hello, Director Shin. Wasn’t expecting you today.”
“So formal, Minjeong.” She returns the bow. “I just… I heard you were recording the song today, so I wanted to come visit.”
“Hopefully it’s fitting to the scene?”
“Oh, it’s wonderful. I have no notes.” Ryujin gives her a warm look. “I wish I could just glimpse into your mind so I could understand how music is to you.”
Minjeong’s jaw drops slightly. “Well… it’s a mess. My brain. Uhm… thank you?” She avoids the director’s eyes and unfortunately makes eye contact with Yizhuo who can’t believe what she just witnessed.
Ryujin’s phone rings and she excuses herself as she steps out to answer it.
“Does Ryujin like you?” Yizhuo asks abruptly.
Minjeong’s eyes widen, and she checks the string quartet in the live room if they heard what her partner just said. “Does it seem like it?”
Yizhuo shrugs. “I’ve never had a director work this close with us before.”
“Maybe it’s because you two are friends?”
“Or because she likes you.” She gets a glare from the older. “Just saying. It’s either you or me, but it’s definitely not me.”
Minjeong doesn’t reply and Yizhuo continues doing something on the computer. “The song truly is beautiful, Minjeong. I can’t even make fun of you for crying.”
She grumbles. “I hate crying while conducting. I think it’s so corny.”
“No, it means you like what you do. That you can feel what you yourself intend to relay to everyone else.” Yizhuo gives her a side hug from where she’s sitting, giving Minjeong a little pat on the butt.
After they run two more takes, Minjeong calls it a day for the quartet.
“Are you two going home?” Ryujin asks.
“We’ll stay for a bit for review.” Minjeong reviews some notes she jotted down earlier.
“Perfectionist,” Yizhuo snarkily says, pointing to the other. “Let me go to the bathroom first, Minjeong. Who knows how long you’ll keep me here.”
“She’s joking.” Minjeong felt like defending herself because she doesn’t torture her partner, she swears!
“Don’t touch anything!” Yizhuo remarks before running out.
With Ryujin and Minjeong left alone in the studio, the latter doesn’t know what to do with her hands.
“How have you been?” Ryujin starts.
Her lips form a straight line. “I’ve been alright. Less stressful than usual given all the music is finished.” She awkwardly taps the table. “You?”
“Well, we’re in the final stages of editing. Everything is on track for the film festival. Promotion has been going well too.” She smiles shyly. “I’m also alright.”
“Good. That’s good…” Minjeong mentally facepalms. She thought she has gotten better with her social skills, yet she hasn’t quite outgrown her shyness.
Ryujin leans a little closer, the chair squeaking quietly. “I was genuine about what I said earlier— about wanting to understand how music is to you. I was wondering…”
Minjeong feels her hands start to sweat.
“…if we could see a movie sometime? I’d love to know about your favorite movie and its soundtrack.”
To her demise, Minjeong blanks. She should’ve listened to Yizhuo. Maybe she would have been more prepared. She hasn’t gone on a date since…
“I uh…”
At the unsure look in Minjeong’s eyes, the director pats her arm. “No pressure. I won’t judge, I swear.”
Maybe it won’t be so bad to get to know Ryujin more. Maybe she just wants to be friends. Maybe this could lead to a great partnership for her career. Maybe Ryujin doesn’t even like girls!
She racks her brain for an appropriate response. Yes? Yeah? Cool? Okay?
“Sure,” she says with a small smile. “That could be fun.”
Ryujin smiles brightly, her whisker dimples showing. “It will be fun.” She lets out a short sigh. “Okay. Saturday?”
Yizhuo suddenly returns, closing the door loudly and practically jumping back to her chair. “Woo! Okay, let’s do this, I wanna go home.”
The other two let out a chuckle. Ryujin stands and grabs her things. “I’ll leave you guys to it then. Sorry Ningie, I’ll be going home before you.” Making her way towards the door, she looks to Minjeong. “I’ll call you.”
The composer can only return a shy smile.
“Have a good night. Don’t stay too late.”
Minjeong’s gaze lingers on the door after she left. It will be fun. She hasn’t had a movie night with someone that’s not her mom in a while. In an industry full of acquaintances, it feels nice to have the opportunity to make a friend.
As she turns to the computer, she catches her partner’s curious look. “What was that?”
“What was what?”
“That. ‘I’ll call you’? The way she said it.” Yizhuo suddenly gasps as her eyes widen. “She asked you out, didn’t she?!”
She pretends to not hear her and plays the recordings on the computer. Yizhuo reaches over and quickly clicks the spacebar on the keyboard.
“Oh come on, Minjeong. Did she?”
The composer sighs. “Yes, she did. Well, we’re just watching a movie together. Doesn’t mean it’s a date,” she says with a grimace.
“I know it’s been forever since you’ve gone on one, but watching a movie together is a date.”
“Ning Yizhuo, can we get back on task? I thought you wanted to go home.” Minjeong presses play again and hears the first few notes before the other pauses it again.
“Yeah, but I still want to hear about this.” She pumps a fist. “I knew it!”
The older pinches her nose bridge. “Okay, how about this. I will tell you about it… after the date. Okay? Now can we please just finish this?”
“Okay, okay fine.” Yizhuo throws her hands up in defeat. “But if she asks me anything, I’m not telling you.”
And Minjeong is okay with that.
As the music plays, she can barely focus on it as her thoughts drift away.
She doesn’t hate love. She’s not against dating either. She just… hasn’t gone out of her way to do it. Though there have been some who try to ask her out whether it be at a dinner, bar, or some social event, she would always tell them she wasn’t looking for a relationship.
Minjeong just hasn’t felt inclined to open herself up to anyone. Her walls have been up for the past four years. Dating strangers after giving her whole heart to someone didn’t feel right. Yeah, she has moved on, but she’s also changed and grown.
So starting whatever this is with Ryujin, someone she already knows and respects, doesn’t seem too bad. This is a chance she’s letting herself take.
Because what’s the worst that could happen?
———
“Appa, don’t worry about me. You’re still working.” It’s been a while since Minjeong visited her father at work. She was hungry too. Two birds with one stone.
“It’s not everyday my daughter comes to the restaurant.” He places a glass of tea on her table. “What food do you want? I’ll make whatever, don’t even worry about paying.”
“I will pay!” She turns to one of the waiters. “I will pay. I will not leave until I have a bill.” She pushes her father back to the kitchen despite his objections. Returning to her table, she takes one look at the menu and asks the waiter, “What do you recommend? Like personally, not just what everyone else orders.”
The waiter blinks, taken off guard at the question. “Uhm… sorry, no one has asked me that before.”
Minjeong smiles. “Really?”
“People who dine here usually know what they want already. Or they would ask for the chef’s recommendation.”
“Well… thank you for letting me be the first.” Minjeong hands him back the menu with a warm smile. “Surprise me.” Before the waiter leaves for the kitchen, she adds, “And don’t let my father change it!”
A few tables over, the Yu tycoons are in a dilemma. Being the owners of the restaurant, they frequently come to enjoy dinner comfortably. Sometimes to see how the restaurant is doing, but mainly to enjoy a good meal. Tonight is different.
“This has proven to be a lot more difficult than expected…” Mr. Yu grumbles, rubbing at his temples.
“How can we possibly find Jimin a wife? We’ve looked at multiple choices already, but they can’t be trusted enough.” Mrs. Yu takes a sip from her wine glass.
“The Baek daughter was not a bad option…”
“We are not going to have her break up with her boyfriend! They are basically engaged from what Chief Baek was saying.”
Mr. Yu picks at his food. “Why is it so hard to find a woman who has a good career, a good family, a good personality, and also likes women!”
His wife chuckles. “We have really raised our daughters well, haven’t we?”
“I only want the best for Jimin. We cannot leave her to the wolves. There’s enough at risk already.”
“And I pray everyday that Joohyun also has the best,” Mrs. Yu quietly adds.
After a few moments of pondering how they ended up in this situation, Chef Kim comes up to their table.
“Directors! Nice to see you again this evening!” he exclaims with a wide smile, unbeknownst to their dilemma, lightening the aura.
Mr. Yu straightens. “Ah, Chef Kim. Nice to see you as well. How has the restaurant been?”
“It has been wonderful. Your dish is still the most popular!”
“It is your dish! I merely helped taste-test.” He heartily laughs. “Thank you for all of your hard work, Chef Kim. This restaurant is nothing without you.”
He bows in gratitude then puts his hands together. “Ah, right! My daughter is here. I was hoping to introduce her to you sometime this evening, if that’s alright.”
“The famous composer, no?” Mrs. Yu asks. “You’ve said great things about her.”
Chef Kim points out Minjeong to them, his daughter currently busy with her laptop.
“My, she’s very beautiful. Not everyone looks good with bleached hair.” The Yu’s exchange knowing looks. Mrs. Yu asks, “Does she have a partner currently? With her looks and career, she must have captured someone’s heart.”
He laughs lightly. “Oh, our Minjeong has been single since her university days.” Chef Kim strokes his chin in thought. “Quite the opposite I think— someone has not captured her heart yet.”
The couple exchange looks once more. “May we meet her right now?” Mr. Yu asks, already getting out of his chair.
“Please stay here!” Chef Kim politely demands. “I will have her come to you.”
As the chef briskly walks to his daughter, the Yu’s quickly discuss. “She’s beautiful. She has a good career. We already know and trust her father—“ Mr. Yu starts.
“—so let’s hope she likes women,” his wife continues.
“Well, how do we ask that?”
“We will ask the Chef after. For now, I say we see if she is polite and friendly. We should ask about her background as well.”
“But—“
“Directors Yu, I would like you to meet my daughter!” Chef Kim proudly presents her with a big smile on his face.
With a perfectly angled bow, she greets, “Good evening. I’m Kim Minjeong. Thank you for all the support you have given my father.”
Mr. Yu returns a nod. “Wonderful to meet you, Kim Minjeong. Your father has been a great and trusted friend. Please, sit.”
“We hope we didn’t bother your dinner this evening,” Mrs. Yu says courteously.
“Oh, not at all!" she reassures them, taking her seat. “I was just reviewing some work.”
“Minjeong, you should tell them more about your work!” her father boasts.
“Yes, we’ve heard about you and your music.” Mr. Yu turns his body to fully face her. “We apologize for not being well versed in your works.”
Chef Kim excuses himself back to the kitchen after a call from his sous chef. Minjeong didn’t mind. She didn’t know who these people were, but they seemed good friends with her father, so the least she could do is entertain them. As they asked her questions about her career with music, they seemed genuinely interested with every answer she gave.
The more they talked, Minjeong felt a sudden sense of familiarity from the couple; the way they talk, react, joke, and even their facial features. This is their first time meeting, but she can’t unshake the feeling that she has met them before.
An alarm on Minjeong’s phone goes off, and she realizes it’s time for her to go home.
“So sorry! I didn’t realize the time. I better be going now. It was a pleasure meeting you both.”
“Pleasure meeting you as well, Kim Minjeong. We hope to see you again soon. We’ll make sure to watch every movie with your music!” Mr. Yu says.
“Get home safe, dear.” Mrs. Yu takes Minjeong’s hand and gives it a light squeeze.
With a polite bow and smile, she makes her way back to her table and gathers her things. Her waiter comes by, so she stops him and asks for her bill.
“Oh, your bill has been taken care of by Director Yu.”
“Director Yu?” she questions.
He points to the couple she was just conversing with. She then realizes she never asked for their names, but she’s too embarrassed to go back and ask. Especially now after they’d just paid for her meal.
“Please send them my thanks. Oh, and could you please inform my father I’ve left? Thank you.”
Making her way out of the restaurant, she gives the Yu’s one last bow. Once she’s out the door, the couple finally starts discussing.
“She’s perfect,” Mr. Yu starts. “I like her. Very polite, friendly, even takes jokes.”
“She has quite a passion for what she does. Just like our Jimin.” Mrs. Yu traces the condensation on her glass. “If we are to ask Chef Kim for her hand, we need him to agree.”
“You’re right. We can be straightforward with him— tell him we want Kim Minjeong for Jimin. But…” he pouts in thought. “How can we get him to say yes?”
Mrs. Yu suddenly brightens, as if a lightbulb flicked on. “We make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
“Like?”
“We own this restaurant.”
Mr. Yu pauses. “And?”
“And he’s the head chef.”
Mr. Yu looks at his wife in confusion. “I’m not sure I’m following.”
She just sighs and puts a finger to her temple.
———
“Minjeong?”
She takes her headphones off, making sure she heard right.
Another soft knock to her door. “Come in.”
Her mother opens the door slightly, light from the other room pouring into her dark room. “I know you’re about to sleep, but we need to talk to you.”
The tone of her mother’s voice concerns her. She quickly gets out from under her covers to her door. “Is something wrong?”
Stepping out of her room, she sees her father smiling awkwardly in the middle of the kitchen. She can tell it’s something of his doing because her mother does not have the same smile on her face. “What’s going on?”
Her parents share a look, then her mother gestures for him to start.
“W-well, Minjeong. Our beloved daughter. You know Appa loves you, right?”
Minjeong’s heart rate shoots up. The last time her father was like this was when he was trying to convince her not to go to the U.S. Not out of doubt or wanting to shut her dream down, he was scared of not being by her side to protect her anymore.
“Dear, just get to the point,” Mrs. Kim says tiredly. She guides Minjeong to sit at the dining table, keeping her hand in hers.
“Right.” He clears his throat. “So you know the Directors Yu? The ones you met at the restaurant earlier. I don’t know if you remember but… they own the restaurant.”
That would explain why they knew Appa, Minjeong thinks. That would also explain how they’re rich.
“They also own AE Tech.”
Oh. So they’re rich rich. They’re nice for rich people.
“They were very nice,” Minjeong says cautiously. “Did I say something wrong to them?”
“No no! After you left, they told me they really liked you. They liked you so much—“ Mr. Kim pulls out a paper from behind his back. “—they offered me major ownership of the restaurant!”
Minjeong’s face blows up into pleasant surprise. “That’s great! Wow! Appa, that’s amazing!” Her joy is immediately shut down when she sees her parents don’t look as happy as she is.
“Is that bad?” she asks, confused.
Mr. Kim looks to his wife for help. She sighs before tightening her grip on Minjeong’s hand. “The Yu’s second daughter is currently the CEO of AE Tech. For reasons they haven’t told us, they need her to be married…”
A pause.
“…and they want you to be her spouse.”
Dots are connecting in Minjeong’s brain, and she’s scared to confirm it. “So…” Trying to formulate words, she finds herself getting increasingly angry. “Appa, did you just sell me off?!”
“…eh?”
“I can’t believe you’re selling off your only daughter for a restaurant?! This isn’t the fifteenth century! Since when have arranged marriages still been a thing?! Appa, are you crazy?!” She knows she’s rambling, but this is insane!
“Minjeong, I know this is crazy, but please!” He flinches at the enraged look in her eyes. “This will benefit both of our families! A-and it’s not like you won’t benefit from this either, they’re rich!”
Minjeong looks to her mother who has been too quiet. “Umma, please tell me you’re against this too.”
Her mother, calm and collected as always, lets go of her hand. “I can’t say I am…”
The composer scoffs and moves out of her seat to stand, almost toppling over her chair. “I don’t understand. Why me? What could I possibly contribute that would be beneficiary for them? I’m not a business woman! Nor a tech girl! We’re not even rich! Well, I mean we’re not poor, but not rich like them!”
“Minjeong, you are asking the right questions that we don’t have the answers to.” Her father puts his hands on her shoulders. “All we know is that this is a win-win situation.”
“How is this a win for me?”
“How is it a loss?” he counters.
Minjeong thinks for a moment. “I think you’re forgetting the fact that I’ll be legally and lawfully bound to someone I don’t know, let alone like, let alone love! I don’t want to be part of the huge scary business world! Maybe I want to spend a few more years single!”
“The Yu’s have promised security and stability in almost every aspect— physical, financial, whatever. I don’t think they’re going to force you into their business because they absolutely love your passion for your art. And finally,” Mr. Kim puts his hands on his waist. “What will staying single get you?”
Minjeong doesn’t answer because all of her responses are self-centered. She also hates how easily convinced she can be sometimes, because her father actually gave good points. Running her hands over her face and hair, she steps away from her parents. It’s quiet, yet everyone can feel the words they want to say floating in the air.
Her mother is first to break the silence. “We know this is taking away some of your freedom. We’ve always told you to make the right and responsible choice with everything, even in finding love. But even with your father and I, there were and are many things we had to sacrifice for the betterment of the family.”
And Minjeong understands that. Her father sacrificed his childhood dream to provide for the family. Her mother sacrificed the comfort of her hometown to move here. They’ve sacrificed so much for Minjeong to be where she is now.
“They want to meet tomorrow to discuss more things; clear up any questions or concerns. I promise you, the Directors mean no harm.” Minjeong knows her father is an honest and sincere man, but he trusts too easily sometimes. She still has so many questions and thoughts, but it’s also past her bedtime and her brain isn’t working well enough at the moment.
She exhales heavily through her nose. “…I’ll meet with them. That doesn’t mean I agree yet! But… I’ll do this for you, Appa.” Without turning back to them or hearing another word, she retreats to her bedroom.
Staring at her ceiling, she lays in her bed and tries not to think. Failing, she conjures up in her mind an image of herself, in a wedding dress, standing next to this faceless woman. Daughter Yu, she names her. She imagines herself cooking and cleaning, wearing an apron as Daughter Yu comes home from work and ignores her. Or even going to whatever corporate dinners they have, and Minjeong is just flaunted like some trophy or eye candy, contributing nothing other than a pretty face.
There’s no love in arranged marriages, she thinks.
All of a sudden, it hits her.
AE Tech is one of the biggest technology companies in the country. Daughter Yu is the CEO. She has to have a lot of information about her online, right? Minjeong’s curiosity peaks. She can put a name and a face to this person she’s dreading to meet. Maybe it will make her hate her less. Or more.
But before Minjeong can reach for her phone, she slaps herself mentally. What am I doing? Searching her up would mean Minjeong acknowledging this is happening. And not acknowledging it is why Minjeong retreated to her room in the first place.
She’s too tired for this. She is not thinking straight.
She’ll deal with this in the morning.
———
Jimin has made herself busier than usual. The past two weeks have been a blur.
Her parents told her not to worry; that they’ll take care of everything.
Yet Jimin can’t help but feel nervous everyday. Her parents have not given her any updates regarding their arrangement. Despite seeing them at home occasionally for breakfast or dinner, they haven’t said anything. She has moments where she forgets it’s even going to happen, but they’re short-lived.
It’s like watching a silent horror movie knowing the monster is there, but not knowing when it is going to appear; no music to build tension, no sounds to hint at its location— nothing. Just pure paranoia and anxiety.
Which is why she made herself busier: to try and lessen her worries on the unknown. She goes to the gym, she schedules more meetings, she watches the new K-Drama that she said she had no time for, and she even started playing the piano again.
After yet another meeting with one of their partners, Jimin slumps in her car seat. It’s the last meeting of the day. Then, she can chill in her office alone, watch the latest episode, and not have to talk to more people that stress her out.
“Chief, your parents contacted me during the meeting,” Aeri starts.
“What’d they say?” Jimin asks, her eyes still closed.
“We’re going to meet your soon-to-be-fiance tonight.”
It’s like she was electrocuted with the way she sits up in her seat, eyes wide, and hands clutching the armrests. “What?!”
“Apparently she’s the perfect one for you. She and her parents agreed to meet today to finalize terms and conditions. They sent me her profile and some details about her and her family.” Aeri taps on her tablet, and she lets out a loud gasp that she stops herself with a hand over her mouth.
“What is it? Who is she?” Jimin asks without thinking. After all, she had wanted her first impression of her… fiance to be in person. Even if the other knew who Jimin was. She’s the freakin’ CEO, of course they would know who she is.
Jimin wishes she could rewind time by just five seconds and stop her past self from asking. She feels her heart stop and her stomach drop.
Kim Minjeong,
she reads from Aeri’s tablet. In big bold letters. Before she could convince herself it’s someone else, she sees a picture of her right underneath.
It is the Kim Minjeong, alright. Though she’s four years older now and has a new hair color, Jimin could recognize her in an instant.
After all, she had studied that face for two whole years— kissed every part of it, knew what every look meant, traced every line and slope, and couldn’t ever get enough.
And for the past four years, she mourned what they had and mourned what she felt. She had loved and lost.
And somehow found her again.
“Y-you’re joking,” she stammers. “How… why… no…”
“Jimin, breathe.”
Exhaling shakily, Jimin covers her mouth with a shaky hand, all kinds of emotions taking over her. “No…”
Aeri has no idea what to do. She knows Jimin and how she feels emotions so greatly. So now with fear and shock and disbelief and every other emotion she could possibly be feeling all running through her at the same time, she’s convinced Jimin will pass out.
“Jimin, I know you haven’t seen her since you came home. And I know things didn’t end well between you two, but… this could be good. Nothing’s finalized yet. That’s why this meeting is good, so we can talk everything out.” Aeri tries her best to carefully bring Jimin’s feelings down, lessening whatever pressure there is.
The young CEO stares at the seat in front of her, her eyes wide and glassy, like tears could fall at any moment. “I can’t do that to her…” she says, muffled by her hand. “I can’t… we can’t…”
“We’ve arrived,” the driver tells them.
Aeri starts to panic, knowing there’s not enough time for this. She quickly gets out of the car and runs to the other side, opening Jimin’s door and undoes her seatbelt. “Jimin!” She shakes the said woman until they finally make eye contact. “Jimin, you can’t break down now. You can’t. You need to be the strong Jimin for this. One step at a time.”
Seeing her encouraging words go unheard as Jimin’s expression remains unchanged, Aeri decides to go the harsh route.
“Do you want the love of your life to see you like this? Do you want Kim Minjeong to think you haven’t changed? Are you gonna run away again like you did before?”
A few seconds pass before Aeri sees something wash over Jimin. Similar to how she goes into CEO mode, her posture changes and she blinks tears away, a different fire in her eyes now.
“You’re right,” Jimin croaks, her breathing and throat adjusting. “I can do this. I can do this.” She steps out of the car, adjusting her blazer and smoothing out her hair. She looks to the restaurant and steels her jaw, preparing herself for what’s to come.
She turns to her secretary, glaring with a little hurt in her eyes. “You could have just slapped me. Did you have to be so harsh?”
“But was I wrong?”
Entering the restaurant, the waitress leads the way to the private room. “Do you think she’s here yet?”
“I’m not sure.”
When the waitress opens the door, Jimin braces herself.
“Jimin! You made it here fast,” her father greets.
She lets out a heavy breath. Minjeong’s not here yet. Though it’s just a delay of the inevitable, at least she has a few more minutes to prepare herself.
“How are you feeling?”
“Nervous, to say the least.”
Her mother rubs her back. “Did you read her profile? I think you’ll really like her.”
She doesn’t need to read her profile. And oh, if only they knew how much Minjeong means to her.
Jimin nervously chuckles. “Heh… you bet.”
“So. When they arrive, we’ll exchange pleasantries and introductions, then we’ll eat and converse, then when the time is right, we’ll discuss the contract.” Mr. Yu buzzes with excitement. “Aeri here will take note of any changes and additions to be made to the contract.” He smiles at Jimin. “This is going to be great.”
Jimin is dying inside. Self-imploding.
Okay, when Minjeong walks through that door, you’re not going to break down crying, she tells herself.
You’re going to smile. Introduce yourself to her parents. You ask her how she’s been. Try not to get slapped. Beg for forgiveness.
As Aeri and her parents talk about the contract, Jimin wrings her hands in her lap, trying to stop them from sweating.
How will Minjeong react to seeing her? Why did Minjeong agree to this? How does Minjeong feel about her after all these years?
The door opens, and Jimin automatically jumps to her feet.
First, the waitress enters. Then, an older man and woman, most likely Mr. and Mrs. Kim. No one enters after them, and Jimin can feel her nerves escalating more than they already are.
“Chef Kim! So nice to see you again!”
Jimin doesn’t listen to the parents’ warm welcome and greetings. She stares at the open door— waiting. As seconds go by, she can hear a ringing in her ears, not registering any sound other than her ragged breathing and quick heartbeat.
“Kim Minjeong!” Mrs. Kim says towards the door, gesturing to come inside.
Everything else fades away.
No amount of preparation could have prepared Jimin for this sight.
Minjeong steps inside, shy, polite, and careful. Her blonde hair, big brown eyes, cardigan and skirt makes her a spectacle to behold.
The composer’s gaze goes around the room, finally meeting Jimin’s.
One look into her eyes is all it took.
Jimin remembers the movie nights, the hand-holding, the afternoon walks on campus, the distracted study sessions, the sleepy dawns, the whispers of their future together, the frustrated tears, the fights, the…
…hurt. And disappointment. And pain.
Minjeong’s eyes grow wide in surprise, and her brows furrow in disbelief.
They both stay frozen in their spots, gaze unbreaking, four meters apart.
“Jimin?”
Barely a whisper, but she heard it loud and clear, and it shot straight to her heart.
“H-hi… Minjeong.”
Something changes in the younger’s eyes, but it’s gone before Jimin can think more about it.
“Do you two already know each other?” Mr. Kim asks, breaking whatever spell came upon them.
“We uh…”
“University.” Minjeong is the first to look away, answering her father plainly. “We went to uni together.”
“Yes! I had been meaning to ask that, given you were there at the same time, though different studies,” Mrs. Yu beams. “Do tell us more later!”
Mr. Yu sends his daughter a look, tilting his head to the Kim parents.
“Oh!” She snaps out of her reverie. Jimin reaches across the table to shake their hands with a bow. “Mr. and Mrs. Kim, my name is Yu Jimin. Nice to meet you. I am in your care.”
“Aigo, how pretty you are! Though, it must be so hard being CEO at your age, isn’t it?”
As they converse, Jimin can feel Minjeong’s unwavering electric gaze from right across her. When Mr. Yu finally tells them all to sit and start eating, Jimin struggles to even hold her chopsticks with her shaky hands.
Minjeong’s stare is heavy. Not uncomfortable, but it does make Jimin hyper aware of everything she’s doing. Yet, she can’t tell why Minjeong is staring at her.
The composer’s face is neutral. Not a hint of a smile, and her previously furrowed brows have evened out. Jimin can’t decipher what’s behind those brown eyes. Not anymore, at least.
With their parents in their own conversation, Jimin subtly clears her throat and forces a small smile for Minjeong. “How… how have you been?”
She finally looks away, poking at the bowl of rice in front of her. Minjeong purses her lips before quietly responding. “I’m fine.”
Jimin nods. She doesn’t know what else to say, so she brings her attention back to her food.
“You?” Minjeong asks after a few moments of silence.
“I’m fine. As well.” Jimin musters up more courage. “It’s nice to see you again, Minjeong.”
All she gets is a glance in return.
“You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to agree to this,” Jimin mutters, regret in her tone.
The other looks at her again, holding her gaze this time. “It’s not your choice to make.”
“Jimin, Minjeong,” Mr. Yu calls out to them from across the table. “It’s wonderful that you two met in university. How did you meet?”
They look at each other once more, communicating without words, wondering what to say.
“We met through a friend of a friend,” Minjeong starts. “It was at the start of my second year, Jimin’s third year.”
“Were you close?”
The question throws Minjeong off, looking to Jimin for help. Thankfully, she gets the signal.
“We… We hung out a few times.” Jimin gets a nod of approval from the other. “But we haven’t seen each other since I graduated.”
“We know this isn’t the most conventional reunion, but think of this as a way to become better friends!” Mrs. Yu claps her hands gently.
“Speaking of… Secretary Aeri, may we start?”
“Of course, Director.”
Jimin straightens up, curious because she has no idea what her parents have put together in the contract, but also wants to stop before they even start because she can’t do this to Minjeong.
Minjeong has prepared a mental list of conditions she wants in this partnership and contract. She needs to have some power and freedom on her own terms at least.
“To preface,” Mr. Yu interrupts, “This marriage will help the Yu family and AE Tech more than you know. We are grateful to you.”
As Aeri reads the contract, Minjeong wonders how exactly the Yu’s are benefiting from this.
- Chef Kim will have major ownership of the restaurant.
- Kim Minjeong will become an heir of AE Tech.
- Any and all expenses for the wedding, trips, and events will be covered by the Yu family.
- Yu Jimin and Kim Minjeong will live in a furnished apartment owned and paid by the Yu family.
- Though not officially employed by AE Tech, Kim Minjeong is expected to know the visions and innovations of AE Tech.
- Kim Minjeong need not attend any business meetings.
- The details of this arrangement may not be shared to anyone outside of the direct family. This marriage will not appear as arranged.
- If found conspiring and communicating with competitors of AE Tech, the marriage will be terminated and Kim Minjeong will be sued.
Besides some other legal terms, this whole contract is all take, take, take for Minjeong, while all she has to give is her name basically. The expectations for her are to not bring AE Tech down and be by the CEO’s side in public. That’s it!
Why do the Yu’s need this marriage? Why do the Yu’s need her?
Unless this is some crazy elaborate scheme for Jimin to get her back— which it’s not— Minjeong can’t help but think there’s a catch to all of this.
“Any questions or concerns?” The secretary asks.
Minjeong timidly raises her hand from the other end of the table. Jimin holds back a smile, seeing that some of Minjeong’s mannerisms stay the same.
“It’s… a good contract. But… might I ask how this is a benefit to you? It just seems like we’re the only ones benefiting from it.”
Jimin knows how bright and thorough Minjeong is, so she’s not surprised that she would ask.
“Minjeong!” Mr. Kim scolds quietly.
“What?” Minjeong defends. “Not to say that you aren’t trustworthy or have ill intentions, but there has to be a catch, right?”
Afraid her parents will deflect, Jimin speaks up first.
“I’m in a vulnerable position currently. As CEO and only heir to the company, we—“ she pauses, “–I need security. Someone to share this burden with. This partnership is the safest route. If something were to happen to me–“
“–it would fall on me.” Minjeong deflates at the realization.
“N-not the blame–“
“But the responsibility. You need someone to fall back on, yes? That way, unwanted others don’t get it?”
Jimin blinks. “Basically, yeah.”
The room is silent as they all watch Jimin and Minjeong. The latter thinks for another moment.
“Is this a life-long thing?”
“Uh…” The Yu parents look to Aeri, to which she just gives a shrug. “We had not thought about that.”
Because Jimin can’t keep Minjeong forever. She can’t and won’t do that to her.
Jimin’s voice cuts through the room. “Two years.”
“Two years?” her mother asks.
“I will be a more experienced CEO, and we’ll be better established in the industry with our partners.” Jimin knows she’s speaking as the CEO right now, with business in mind. “After that…” she looks to the one across from her, “we can split.”
Minjeong stares at her again with that neutral gaze. Jimin holds her breath, waiting for a response.
Mr. Yu taps his chin. “Two years is neither too long nor too short. I think that’s good. What do you think, Kim Minjeong?”
They all turn to her, noticing the heavy stares Jimin and Minjeong are exchanging. With a final exhale, Minjeong nods. “Sure.”
Celebratory remarks are made, and they talk about sending the final contract tomorrow including a timeline of events. The Kim’s sign an NDA, Director Yu makes a toast, and they finish the rest of the food.
Jimin just can’t stop thinking I can’t believe Minjeong agreed to marry me.
Minjeong can’t stop thinking I can’t believe I’m marrying Yu Jimin.
This whole thing would go so differently if they were strangers. ‘A way to become better friends’ Mrs. Yu said. And that could be true. They could come out of this as better friends. They could live together as just friends.
But Yu Jimin and Kim Minjeong don’t know how to be just friends. They don’t even know how to be normal around each other.
Because even after everything that happened between them, they’re still Jimin and Minjeong. If anything, this meeting just proved it: they’re still each other’s greatest love.
Leaving the restaurant, their parents exchange hugs and goodbyes while Jimin and Minjeong watch from the side. The Yu parents dote on Minjeong, giving her a warm handshake before going to their car. The Kim parents do likewise.
“It was wonderful to meet you, Yu Jimin. It relieves me to know that you were already friends before. I know you will take care of our Minjeong well.” Mr. Kim gives Jimin a firm handshake, while Mrs. Kim doesn’t hold back and gives her a hug.
“Actually!” Jimin says before they start walking away. “May I bring Minjeong home?”
Minjeong snaps her head towards her with wide eyes, seemingly asking ‘what are you doing?’
“We have a lot to catch up on. I promise I’ll get her home safe and before ten o’clock.” She puts on a charming smile.
“Well, of course! No problem at all.”
The younger rolls her eyes and begrudgingly hands her father her car keys. “Please don’t crash my car.”
That was easier than I thought, Jimin thinks. Minjeong didn’t even put up a fight.
The CEO bows. “Travel safe!” She then walks to her driver who was waiting by the stalling car. “Mr. Yang, may I take this car? You can ride with my parents.”
Aeri rolls down the window from inside. “Yah, what are you doing?”
“Aeri, I need some time with Minjeong. Please? You can ride with my parents too.” Jimin pouts, knowing well that Aeri has never given in to her pouts, even when they were kids.
The secretary groans. “Ugh. Don’t mess this up, okay? I had enough of your staring contests this whole evening,” she says as she gets out of the car.
“You saw that?”
“Of course I did.” Aeri pats her on the shoulder. “Good luck.”
Jimin asks the driver to park the car and leave the keys on the seat. She returns to Minjeong, who was staring at her once again with her arms crossed.
Jimin wordlessly leads Minjeong to the restaurant’s garden area, typically used for events. As they walk around, looking at the plants, lights, and water features, Jimin glances back every so often, catching Minjeong’s stares from a few steps behind.
“Okay, why do you keep looking at me like that?” Jimin asks, stopping in her tracks.
Minjeong shrugs. “Trying to see through your bullshit.” She walks past the other, continuing her stroll in the garden.
“You’re so funny,” Jimin deadpans. “Where’d you learn that from?” She trails after her.
“Someone. I knew quite the ragebaiter back in uni…”
Jimin smirks. “Was she pretty?”
Minjeong just rolls her eyes.
Their stroll leads them to the fountain in the middle of the garden. They watch the water flow and reflect the fairy lights above.
Jimin swallows, hesitating with her words. “I really am glad to see you again, Minjeong.” She rubs at her own fingers. “I know you said you never wanted to see me again–“
“I didn’t say that.”
“— but I just want to apologize. I didn’t give you a proper apology back then, and I want to apologize for this situation now. I’m sorry.” She keeps her eyes on the fountain. “I wish we met again under different circumstances. Not like this.”
She notices Minjeong tapping on her own arm as her arms are crossed.
The younger asks the question that has been bugging her from the start. “Why me?”
“I don’t know. I only found out it was you minutes before.”
Minjeong sighs and finally turns her body to face Jimin. “I’m not mad at you. Or anyone. I mean, this isn’t the worst situation I could be in…”
Jimin is listening, but she can’t help but watch how the water’s reflection dances on Minjeong’s face.
She’s beautiful. Has been and will always be.
“…but just… know I’ll do my best in this.”
Jimin gives a small smile. “I never doubted.” A thought comes to her mind. “If it’s okay to ask… how’s your aunt?”
The other flinches minutely. “She’s fine. She’s been cancer-free for two years now.”
Jimin feels herself tear up. “That’s wonderful,” her voice breaking halfway. “That’s really great.”
“My cousin’s been taking care of her since I came home. I went to visit her after the doctor said she’s cancer-free.” She kicks at a rock by her shoe. “She uhm… she asked about you.”
“What did you say?” Jimin asks softly.
“She had always assumed we were still together, even after you graduated. So…” Minjeong has a playful smile on her face. “I told her Yu Jimin was a jerk. But I still forgave her anyway.”
Now tears were really threatening to fall from Jimin’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Minjeong. I really really am. You’re right, I was a jerk, and I—“
“Don’t tell me now.” She starts walking away, but turns back around after a few steps. “Besides… you have two years to show me.”
The car ride was quiet. Other than the music playing from the radio, no words were exchanged. Jimin thought Minjeong fell asleep, but no, she was just staring out the window.
Minjeong was deep in thought. She meant everything she said earlier. The thought of Jimin used to make her heart break and her blood boil, but that was years ago. Minjeong came to accept and forgive a lot of things. She’s grown and matured a lot in the past few years. She grew alongside her music, and it made her life a lot better.
There was no use in holding on to the sharp end of the knife. It was only hurting her.
Seeing Jimin again made her realize how far she’s come.
And honestly? She’s looking forward to what this arrangement has to offer. Her life needed a mix up. This will be fun.
She replays their dinner earlier in her head: the way her heart skipped the moment they met eyes, the way she couldn’t stop looking at Jimin and noticing how she’s changed and how she hasn’t, and the way their parents looked so happy.
Then she remembers their time in the garden: how Jimin’s eyes sparkled under the moon and garden lights, how Jimin looked so guilty in front of the fountain, and how she was willing to make it all right only hours after reuniting.
“This is your house?” Jimin asks, putting the car in park. “Never thought I’d be able to come here.”
“It’s definitely not up to par with yours, CEO of AE Tech,” Minjeong teases.
“Well, no need to compare now,” she chuckles.
Jimin walks Minjeong to the door. She was about to say goodnight when the latter suddenly spoke up.
“We’re good, right?” Minjeong asks.
Jimin nods. “We’re good.”
The composer puts out a hand. “Friends?”
She slowly raises her hand before finally clasping the other’s. “Friends.”
It was strange. Finishing the night with a handshake.
The memory of goodnight hugs and kisses ghosts their clasped hands. This touch was like the final piece in this reunion; that the other is actually here and real; that they have new memories to make together now.
As Jimin walks back to her car, her hand can’t help but burn at the touch. When Minjeong finally goes inside after the other drives off, she stares at her palm, knowing why it must tingle so much.
They’re good. They’re friends.
They’re about to be married.