[01]
It's Ok, It's "Love"
“No I will not father, I have told you a hundred times, I have no interest in getting married. I’m only 28 and there is still time for me to meet other eligible men, this arrange marriage thing is completely unnecessary.” She tried to reason out calmly; she didn’t want to give her dad another reason to get pissed at her.
“This is not about that. I have already talked to the Choi’s regarding this matter and they have agreed to ensure theirs and our company’s partnership provided that a marriage will occur before the end of the year.”
“Please just listen to what I’m about to say father.“
“No. I won’t hear any of it. You will show up at that restaurant at exactly 8pm. You dress accordingly and you will be on your best behavior. I do not want you bring any kind of animal, weather dead or alive, real or fake breathing or not to that restaurant. Do you understand?” Her father glared at her.
“But father-“
“Not another word. I’m giving you a choice now young lady, either you show up, or say goodbye to that clinic of yours. You decide.” Her father announced with such finality that she knew it was futile to argue.
----------oooOOooo----------
“Seriously girl, who the heck still does arranged marriages? It’s the 21st century for god’s sake.”
After her conversation with her father, she immediately left without saying another word. She had to let off some steam so she went to the place where she knew, will taker her mind off things. Stopping by her apartment to grab a change of clothes, she then proceeded to drive to her very own animal clinic and shelter.
“Well, technically, they still have arranged marriages.” Park Cheonsa, who happens to be their resident veterinarian, couldn’t help but argue back while they sat in the office, thankful that the place was pretty calm, thus gave them time to chat. Jiyeon didn’t waste any time ranting to Cheonsa about the conversation she had with her father.
“Yeah, in India maybe, but this is Korea we’re living in.”
Her friend looked at her in amusement while running a hand through her bright blue hair, jet black eyes twinkling. “Actually, arranged marriages are still practiced amongst aristocrats all over the world. Those rich people who think that everyone is above them and would rather wed their children to fellow rich people then have a ‘commoner’ become a part of their family. And you my dear, is a perfect example of that. So I am honestly not surprised.”
“You are not helping at all.” The other girl pouted, Cheonsa may be 2 years younger than her but sometimes, she couldn’t help but feel that it was the other way around. It didn’t help that she has a face that makes her look younger than she actually is while Cheonsa, who inherited most of her looks from her European father, looked more mature than she really is.
“Hey guys, what’s up?” A new voice echoed from outside. Followed by a figure with bright ice blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
Cheonsa’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ginny! What brings you here?” She said, standing up and giving the said girl a warm hug. “I thought you wouldn’t be home until next week.”
“Well, I got bored with Amsterdam more quickly than I thought so I figured adjusting my flight schedule and getting to hang out with you guys a week earlier wouldn’t be so bad.”
All three girls laughed. “So how did uncle take it?” Cheonsa asked, knowing full well that their family relationship was anything but close.
“He was actually quite happy to have me back home. I guess he couldn’t bear to see me enjoy my life every now and then.”
Cheonsa and Ginny shared knowing looks which made Jiyeon feel slightly left out. It wasn’t their fault though. The two have known each other since their childhood after Ginny’s father had migrated to Korea to expand their business and just happened to enroll her in the same school as Cheonsa; since then, they had been inseparable.
“Anyways, what’s this juicy gossip that’s been flying around, something about our dear Jiyeonnie getting married? I didn’t even know you have a boyfriend.” Aimee smirked.
Jiyeon ran a hand through her chocolate brown hair in frustration. “Yeah, father has put me through an arranged marriage.”
Ginny scoffed. “Arranged marriage? What are we, in the middle ages? It’s 2019, nobody does that anymore.”
“Exactly what I said!” Jiyeon exclaimed. “But you know my father, if he knows he’ll gain something from it, there is nothing stoping him; especially if it involves money.”
Ginny reached forward and pulled Jiyeon in for a hug. “I feel sorry for you girl, but hey, if the guy is hot then it shouldn’t be so bad.” However, it wasn’t long before Ginny pulled out and looked at her intently. “If he is, do you mind asking if he has a hot younger brother or a best friend you could possibly hook me up with?”
2 pairs of eyes looked at her in surprise before all three of them burst out laughing.
“Even you found it funny coming from you huh?” Jiyeon asked in between fits of laughter.
----------oooOOooo----------
At half pass 6 in the evening, Jiyeon made her way back to her apartment with heavy feet. She really didn’t want to go through his marriage meeting or whatever they want to call it but she couldn’t afford to have her clinic shut down as well. It was the only thing supporting the animal shelter she was also running and with the clinic having to close down, they would have to close down the shelter as well and she couldn’t bear the thought of all those poor homeless cats and dogs roaming the streets.
“Why can’t they just leave me alone?” She asked herself as she stood outside her apartment door.
The moment she opened the door, she was immediately greeted by ha huge ball of white fur, almost tackling her to the ground.
“Well someone’s glad to see me.” She smiled, feeling slightly better than how she did a few minutes ago.
The huge ball of fur gave her a sloppy we kiss before stepping away and allowing her to enter the threshold of her home.
“Were you a good boy today Kenji?” She asked, to which the dog responded with a cheerful bark.
“Well come on then, time for dinner.” She smiled, patting the dog’s head as they made their way to the kitchen.
Jiyeon quickly prepared her dog’s dinner before heading to her room to find something suitable to wear; a task that proved to be more challenging that it should have been.
“What the heck does one wear to a marriage meeting?” She asked herself in frustration.
As if to answer her question, her doorbell rang, followed by Kenji’s barking, signaling that there was someone at the door. She was surprised when the moment she came down, she was greeted by someone that looked like one of his father’s personal assistants.
“Good evening Ms. Kang, your father was worried that you might miss tonight’s important meeting, so he asked me to send this to you.” He handed her a black box. “He told me to inform you that he will be looking forward to your arrival tonight Ms. Kang. Good night.” Those were the last words the assistant said before bowing to her and taking his leave, without even giving Jiyeon a chance to speak.
Without even bothering to head to her bedroom she opened the box and took out a black dress and a pair of silver heels. A few seconds later Kenji appeared right next to her.
“Hey boy, wanna go for a walk?”
----------oooOOooo----------
Jiyeon couldn’t help the heavy sigh that escaped from her lips as she parked her car in front of an unfamiliar-looking restaurant, the words of her father still echoing in her mind.
‘Show up, or say goodbye to that clinic of yours.’
She convinced herself that she made the right choice.
“Jiyeon-shii, it’s good to see you.”
Her father’s booming voice echoed throughout the almost empty restaurant the moment she entered. She noticed that her mother was there as well but made no move to acknowledge her arrival. It was no surprise tho, they never had a good relationship in the first place. Across her parents was another couple she was completely unfamiliar with but somehow, the female looked oddly familiar. She knew this must have been the She made her way towards the four before bowing to greet them.
“Good evening father. Good evening mother.” She greeted, her face passive.
Her father then turned towards the couple sitting right across them.
“Kiho-shii, Jaejeong-shii I’d like to introduce my eldest daughter Kang Jiyeon-shii. Jiyeon, this is Choi Kiho-sii and Byun Jaejeong-shii.”
She turned to face the couple sitting opposite them and bowed. “Good evening. Mr. Choi, Mrs. Byun” She greeted with a polite smile
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Jiyeon-shii. I must say, you look even lovelier in person.” Mr. Choi greeted.
“I’m sure you and our son will make a lovely couple.” Mrs. Byun smiled at her, eyes twinkling in delight.
She had to control herself from scowling at the thought.
“Speaking of which, where is he?” Jiyeon’s mother inquired. “I’m looking forward in meeting this gentleman of yours.”
Mr. Choi chuckled. “Well, I must apologize for my son’s tardiness. I’m afraid he experienced schedule conflicts and will be arriving a little bit later than expected. Please do understand that our son’s career is very important to him.
Jiyeon tried to to purse her lips in disdain. So he was allowed to put his career first before anything else while she’s forced to make ends meet with her parents. Lucky him.
Before anyone could say another word however, a black Audi pulled out front.
“Oh, he has arrived.” Mr. Choi announced.
All 5 heads turned to face the entrance where, much to Jiyeon’s surprise, entered a tall young man she often saw in billboards, TV commercials and music show broadcasts.
“There’s our dashing young man.” Mr. Choi stood up as he greeted him with a hug before turning to address his companions. “Kang Jihoo-shii, Park Miyeon-shii, Kang Jiyeon-shii, I’d like all of you to meet my son Choi Siwon, Jiyeon-shii’s future husband.”
For the first time, Jiyeon was at a loss for words.
To say that their dinner was awkward was an understatement; at least that was how Jiyeon felt. After the formal introductions were made, she made no effort to join in their conversation. As their parents carried on with their current business plans and their future endeavors with Siwon occasionally joining in, Jiyeon continued to sit in silence, mentally running through the things she needed to accomplish. She was too engrossed in her own world that it took her a while to realize that she was being spoken to.
“What about you Jiyeon-shii, what are you up to these days?”
Surprised, she put down her utensils before turning his attention to Mrs. Byun. “I currently run an veterinary hospital and animal rescue and shelter.” She replied as her father nodded approvingly at the side.
“She graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine and passed the licensure examinations in just 4 months after she graduated.” Her mother spoke and she had to resist raising an eyebrow at her. Her mother didn’t really like recognizing her achievements but she figured her mother wouldn’t want to look bad in front of her future in laws.
The three looked at her impressed. “Wow, what a smart young girl we have here.” Praised Mrs. Byun.
“Do you have any plans on taking over your father’s business? I mean, you are the eldest if I’m not mistaken.” Mr. Choi asked.
“I feel that my brother is more adept at running the business than I am. But if there is a need to, I wouldn’t mind to take over in the future.” She responded.
“What about the clinic of yours?” This time it was Siwon who asked; surprising Jiyeon.
She shook her head with a smile. “I have no intention of letting my clinic go. I am confident that if the need arises, I will be able to handle running both the clinic and my father’s business.”
“Well, I look forward to doing business with you in the future then.” Mr. Choi smiled.
Suddenly, her father’s phone rang. He heaved a sigh as he glanced at it before putting it back in his pocket.
“Well, everyone, I must say it has been a lovely evening but I’m afraid I have to take my leave early for I am needed at the office.” He announced as he stood up followed by Jiyeon’s mother.
“Oh, then we’ll get going too.” This time it was Mr. Choi who stood up, followed by Mrs. Byun. “I think it’s only fitting that we leave our children to get to know each other better, don’t you think.”
Both Jiyeon and Siwon stood up at the same time to bid their respective parents and future in-laws farewell.
“Siwon, why don’t you drive Jiyeon back to her place” Mrs. Byun suggested, which Jiyeon was quick to refute.
“That will not be necessary Mrs. Byun, you see, I drove my car here.”
“Well, I’ll just have to ask one of my assistants to bring your car home then. I do agree that you and Siwon need to spend more time with each other since you two are bound to get married.” Jiyeon’s father responded, taking out his phone and placing a call.
Once again, Jiyeon remained silent as her father gave instructions to pick up her car at the said restaurant and drive it back to her apartment. She didn’t bother saying another word even after the adults have left, leaving only the two of them.
“You never question anything he tells you huh?” Siwon asked, breaking the silence.
She heaved a deep sigh. “Well, I don’t really have a choice. He is my father after all.”
“But that doesn’t mean you have no right to speak your opinion.”
Jiyeon pursed her lips in response. “If he did give the the right then I wouldn’t even be here, in a marriage interview with you.” She blurted out without thinking.
Siwon looked mildly offended. “Wow, do you really hate me that much.”
Jiyeon, realizing what she had just said, widened her eyes in surprise. “No, I didn’t mean it like that.” Her eyes fell. “I just never really thought about getting married I thought, the moment I left my parents’ house I’ll be free from all of these but I guess I was wrong.”
He looked at her with concern. “What happened?”
Quickly, she shook her head with a forced smiled. “That’s a story for another day. Do you have anything planned after this?” She then asked, quickly changing the subject.
He paused in thought, chopstick suspended halfway between his mouth and his plate. “Nothing really.” He responded before bringing the empty chopstick in his mouth as if there was something in it he was supposed to eat. Noticing his mistake, the two couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“What was that?” She couldn’t help but ask in amusement.
Siwon rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment. “I honestly did not know either.”
----------oooOOooo----------
The rest of their dinner passed by quite uneventful, with small talks about the weather and about the business. She nearly forgot all about how her father had instructed Siwon to drive her home but was immediately reminded by the empty parking lot where her car was parked earlier that evening.
“Oh, right, I almost forgot I’m supposed to drive you home.” Siwon smiled sheepishly.
Jiyeon looked around awkwardly. “I can go home by myself.”
Siwon shook his head. “No, it’s already late. I’d rather drive you.”
Without saying another word Jiyeon followed Siwon to his car. She was about to reach over and open the car door before Siwon had beaten her to it. The action made her feel slightly shy. “T-thanks.” Which Siwon responded with a smile.
“So, do you still live with your parents or do you stay somewhere else?” Siwon asked as he got in the car, put his seatbelt on and started the engine.
She shook her head. “I have my own place.”
He looked at her in surprise. “I forgot to ask, how old are you again?”
“I’m 28.” She responded with a smile.
“You don’t look 28.” Siwon glanced at her. “I thought you’d be around 23 or 24. That’s why I was a bit skeptical when I first saw you. I thought my parents are forcing me to marry someone way younger.”
She let out a soft chuckle. “People always say so, especially when I’m with Cheonsa and Ginny. My friends.” She added when she noticed Siwon’s confused expression.
“Are you sure we’re going in the right direction?” He asked as he followed the directions his navigator gave out. “This place looks kinda sketchy.”
She nodded. “It may look sketchy, but this is really one of the quietest place out there.” She smiled as she watched the familiar neighborhood draw nearer. “My place’s the 3rd from the corner.” She pointed out.
As Siwon stopped in front of Jiyeon’s place, she debated weather or not to invite him inside. Before she could decide however, Siwon made her mind up for her.
“I guess, this is your place huh? I’ll just wait for you to get inside before I leave.” He rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably.
She guessed that he didn’t want to be rude but he didn’t know how to tell her that she had to be somewhere else at the moment and he was currently in a rush; Jiyeon found it extremely adorable.
“Thanks for tonight. I guess I’ll see you soon.” She smiled as she grabbed her things and prepared to get out of the car. She only had one of her legs out the door when Siwon grabbed her hand.
“Uhm, do you mind- can I- ahm…” He stuttered. She couldn’t help but chuckle.
“If there’s something you’d like to ask, feel free.” She smiled. “I won’t judge.”
He chuckled softly. “I was just hoping to get your number. You know, just in case I’d have to contact you. We are technically engaged after all.”
‘Right’ Jiyeon thought to herself. ‘This is not their first date. This was their marriage meeting. They aren’t lovers, they are betrothed.'
“Oh, right. Sure.” She faked a smile.
Dutifully, Siwon handed her his phone where she entered her work, phone and home numbers. “I usually have my phone with me but if you can’t contact me, that may mean that I’m at the clinic so I also saved the number there as well.” She smiled as she handed him back his phone.
Siwon smiled gratefully. “Thanks. I’ll give you a call then.”
She smiled back before finally getting off the car. Before she could close the door however, she was once again stopped by Siwon who was looking back at her once again. “Do you have anything planned for tomorrow morning? I was thinking we could go have breakfast together, if you’re not busy.”
She couldn’t stop the smile that dawned on her lips. How could this man, who is so charismatic and confident on stage and on camera, act like an awkward teenager in front of girls.
“Call me.” She added as a final message before closing the door behind her with a playful smile.
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