“Yes, umma! Good night!” SooJi kissed her mom and the latter quickly shuffled out of the room. Sleep came quickly to SooJi after a tiring day.

Chapter 1– The Perfect Daughter

Boa – Ordinary Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZHZsG5mj0I

“Omo, it’s Han SooJi!” “She’s so pretty!” “Look at her hair! It looks so silky!” “She’s so perfect!”

Whispers filled the air as Han SooJi walked towards the studio where the photo shoot for Elite’s new advertisements would be held. Her bodyguard, hired by her father, Senator Han JooNam, hovered by her side, trying to protect her from nonexistent attackers. Her manager and stylists trailed behind them, carrying her huge bundles of clothes and accessories. Although her career as a model often caused unwanted attention to be directed toward her, SooJi managed to force a friendly smile to show on her pale and very well structured face. She greeted the employees who worked in that building while they stared at her in apparent awe.

The elevator bell dinged and the doors opened but no one made a move to enter it. SooJi was a mere model but the title of “Senator’s daughter” frequently gave her perks she didn’t need nor wanted. Her bodyguard led her into the enclosed space; she bent her neck towards the others and gave them another meek smile and the manager and stylists scurried after them. As soon as she entered the hall, all eyes were on her. She greeted the photographer with a cheerful “good afternoon” and a respectful bow.

As she said hello to the staff as she and her entourage passed by, she hoped that she was giving them a greeting that was polite enough for them to acknowledge her as a great daughter that gave her family honor. After getting dressed in clothes that advertised the brand Elite, a high-end label for women’s fashion, she closed her eyes and relaxed her expressions. At that moment, she was not Han SooJi, the Senator’s daughter, but rather Han SooJi, the model.

“I think these shots are quite good, SooJi-ssi,” the photographer commented, showing her the photos. “What do you think?”

“They’re well taken,” she said politely with a smile.

He nodded, smiling back, and then yelled to the staff, “Okay! That’s enough for the ads for this month’s edition of Elle Girl Korea!”

“Thank you for your hard work! Thank you!” echoed through the room as SooJi and the staff exchanged bows.

Her manager came running while holding out her cellphone which was ringing loudly. She took it with a “thanks” and slid her finger over the screen to accept the call from her mother.

“SooJi, have you finished your shoot?” her mother’s voice asked.

“Yes, umma,” she answered. She raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Come have dinner with us,” she requested, a hint of a smile in her voice. “Your father, sister and I will be waiting!”

SooJi’s expression became stiff for a moment before she forced out a smile and said, “Alright. I’ll be there.” She ended the call and repressed a sigh. She could not even imagine how awkward dinner would be.

After thirty minutes, her bodyguard opened the door and she stepped out of her car to see a group of bodyguards waking around the restaurant. She wondered for a second whether she was invited to a political meeting rather than a family meal. She entered, sat down in front of her father and greeted her parents. Looking around, she noticed that her sister’s seat was empty. “Where’s SooJin?” she asked.

Senator Han took a sip of his water before answering, “She cancelled, saying she just finished an exam today and wanted to go somewhere else.” I nodded in response.

She sipped her water, trying to ease the silent and awkward atmosphere. Having grown in a family that wasn’t normally close, SooJi found family gatherings awfully exasperating. With SooJi warm only towards her mother, her sister being a daddy’s girl and their sibling relationship being rather strained, family meals often ended with bickering, arguments or discussion of business matters.

“The food is here!” Mrs. Han exclaimed cheerfully. She was usually the one trying her hardest to lighten up the mood; her husband and children were often mood-killers. Throughout the dinner, she chattered and tried to involve her husband and daughter in the conversation but most of it was just her asking questions and receiving curt answers.

As soon as dinner ended, SooJi excused herself from the slightly awkward affair and headed home. Dragging herself towards her room, she crossed paths with her sister. “Hey, SooJin! How was your exam?” SooJi attempted a civil conversation.

“It was fine,” SooJin replied in a clipped voice without looking up from her phone.

“Was it hard?” SooJi tried again.

“No. I’m going to bed,” the younger one answered. She walked away without saying goodbye. SooJi sighed with the realization that they were truly hopeless. She entered her room and got ready for bed. Before she could close her eyes though, the door opened and Mrs. Han barged in.

“Umma! Why don’t you knock before you enter?” SooJi protested.

“Sorry about that, baby angel!” Mrs. Han grinned apologetically.

“Umma! I think it’s about time you stop calling me that,” SooJi whined. “I’m 21, in college, working and earning money by myself too.”

“Aigoo, our SooJi is growing up so quickly!” she cooed, pinching my cheeks. “Even SooJin!” SooJi groaned but the smile on her face was evident. “Anyway, go to sleep. You have school tomorrow!”