That night Sehun had a nightmare, one that was as horrifying as his reality. His eyes widened in disgust at the pair of 'garakji rings.' There were two pairs! He didn’t need anyone to explain why the two pairs of rings sat and glowering at him. Contrast to their shiny exterior they were just as disgruntled as he was. The ‘in-laws’ were surprised to see four rings in a box that normally would have contained two. His parents went on to explain the significance of the rings while he forced a smile each time they looked his way. Seryung looked like she were about to burst into laughter but she held her composure. They both knew the story behind the four rings.

During the Joseon Dynasty era a pair of rings (garakji rings) were worn by married woman to show her married status, the duality symbolized harmony between spouses,’ something both Sehun and Seryung were taught. By gifting Hana the rings Sehun was asking for her hand in marriage. This was how the history texts illustrated it. 

However as beautiful as the Joseon era was Mr. & Mrs. Oh disagreed that only women would wear the pair of rings. In modern society both spouses’ honed rings as a tribute to their relationship. What his parents’ had in mind was much more cringe worthy. Sehun hadn’t spent 18 years of his life unknowingly. He knew his parents’ were taking a more ‘modern and romantic’ spin on things. 

It didn’t surprise him when he was told to place the smaller half-ring on Hana’s left ring finger and the larger on - that completed his pair - on her thumb. Then it was Hana’s turn to place the larger sized ring on his left ring finger and the smaller one - that completed her pair - onto his pinky. This represented that half of the marriage proposal was fulfilled, the engagement. At the wedding they would wear their respected pair to symbolize a promise of one body and one spirit.

It may sound romantic to an onlooker but to a boy of eighteen whose marriage was forced, it seemed like a pain. Thankfully after the exchange the parents’ had collectively decided that the gold rings were too preciously symbolic to simply allow the 18 year olds to wear until the wedding. They had asked to save keep them and Sehun could only wholeheartedly agree while Hana was more reluctant.

When he awoke, he was drenched in sweat. A faint glimmer told him something was amused at his state. "It's not funny." He wiped his face with his sleeve and groaned because his nightmare was technically the reality. His parent's really did force all that burden on him as if he were a step child of theirs that they wanted to be rid of.

-

Hana was partly amused by how hard Seryung was trying to have Sehun fall in love. She'd only heard a snippet of what she believed was a very long, complicated story. Yoon Rae Mi, Sehun's first love -- a noona that he'd chased after, a noona with a boyfriend. A noona who never liked Sehun more than a dongsaeng* and a noona who'd passed away. She thought she had much to live up to. She wasn't a noona, she was around the same age as Sehun, but some things couldn't be helped.

"Don't keep addressing him as 'shi,' it makes him sound like an old man. If you add that title, it'll make things awkward between you two," Seryung advised pointing to the advice page she was reading from. Hana nodded they'd scrolled through multiple advice pages and Seryung had been emphasized 'not to get flirty' because Sehun hated flirty girls the most, his reason being that they constantly hounded him. Seryung had also slapped her forehead when she'd discovered that Hana was a member of Sehun's fan club. Hana had protested that she couldn't retract her membership as the fans would come after her and Seryung despite herself had calmed down after declaring that she would join it too, so it would be 'no big deal.'

Hana rendered Seryung's intentions to be good although her way of dealing with situations were a little strange. Still, Hana enjoyed having company.

Seryung had been taking notes and noticed that Hana's attention was decreasing with every new web page. She sniffed in disaproval and continued to take notes. She would rid her brother's brain of Rae Mi if it were the last thing she did! Her determination made her even more enthusiastic. If she'd diverted her attention for a second she would have noticed Hana texting.

"Got my ticket! Early flight! See you soon, I'm keeping the day a surprise, I hope my room is ready otherwise I'll just have to crash yours. Mum's trying to pack a quilt. Someone is clearly worried. You guys have quilts! I tried to assure her but she slapped my arm. Anyway, can't wait to see you - Tao"

"That's great news!!! I'm really looking forward to seeing you, you know! Your room is pretty much ready but if you need to crash in mine, you're welcome to do so but be prepared to take the floor. There are plenty of quilts Auntie shouldn't be worried but I guess that's what a mother would do. Hope to see you soon - Hana"
 

While the girls chatted away about how to make Sehun fall in love with Hana, Sehun was lying in bed staring at the ceiling.

'That' had happened before when he'd tried to have the ghost 'talk' to him. After the death of Miyoung, Seryung had cried countless nights and Sehun frowned remembering that his parents had been away somewhere promoting their country. The first time he'd been aware of the ghost was when Seryung cried and told him she could see something.

What was the point of promoting the country when their own daughter was suffering? They'd never been there for her; maybe financially but never morally. Hence Sehun had been the one who'd been made to console his terrified sister when the maids gossiped on how she'd gone 'mad.' Their nanny had tried, but it had been no good because Seryung had stopped speaking and instead cried for her parents. Sehun and Seryung weren't close at the time, yet their nanny had insisted that Sehun do something, and he had.

Sehun had spent every day with her, talking to her, consoling her, sharing secrets with her until she'd finally opened up and told him about who the 'ghost' was. Sehun had been surprised, he hadn't believed her either. How could ghosts be real? Logic said otherwise and Sehun used to believe logic more than the words of a little girl, even if she was his sister.

From then onwards Seryung began to calm down. She'd pretended to move on from Miyoung's death but in reality she hadn't. Maybe that's why the ghost was still looming about causing mischief?

Sehun turned to his side, he'd first saw the ghost when Seryung had told him not to go on the cable carts. She'd begged and pleaded and clutched onto him desperately in an effort to stop him. Seryung had even gone as far as explaining to the conductor that the carts would fail, she'd told the passengers too, she'd done her best to warn everyone. Some had listened while the others hadn't, the carts failed as Seryung predicted and she'd been taken in for questioning by the police.

Sehun had waited outside cursing the ghost for putting his sister in such a dilemma. He'd seen light flicker in one part of the room. He'd squinted his eyes thinking his eyes were playing tricks on him and then he saw her - the ghost of Han Miyoung. Miyoung, in her ghostly form, retained the age she'd passed at and Sehun had been surprised, perplexed and terrified to see her. It had come as a shock to him when the ghost noticed he was looking at her and appeared right in front of him. He'd screamed and earned reproachful glanced. He'd apologized bowing. Miyoung had laughed. Sehun had presumed as much because the ghosts felt mirth faster than the average being.

Seryung had been released not much longer after that. She'd lied saying she'd said it in a dream after watching an action movie but that hadn't stopped strange people from approaching her asking her if she could predict the future. Seryung had been terrified at being branded what she thought was a 'freak.' Sehun had been quick to rescue her by arguing it was a coincidence, and fabricating a fear of heights. 

Sehun adjusted his pillow into a comfortable position. Every time the ghost tried to talk to him his body reacted strangely. Miyoung had assured Seryung that she didn't possess him. However, Sehun always found it strange. It was a feeling he just couldn't get used to. Every painful memory would be brought back. He would be unconscious. Someone would have to coax him and eventually he'd wake up.

Sehun flung himself onto his stomach and groaned into the pillow. This time it was the wangta who'd been with him. He wondered how much he'd told her. There was no denying that his overbearing memory reflux was brought about by the ghost.

Sehun sighed into his pillow, of all people he'd thought about her. The girl who'd never even glanced at him, and it still hurt after all those years. The wound in his heart never managed to heal, instead he felt himself overwhelmed with emotion every time he thought about her. Today, he'd felt as if he'd relived those events. Sehun swallowed the lump in his throat, he'd promised himself he wouldn't cry but the tears of anguish flowed on their own accord as if he'd never been in charge of them.

-

Next morning, Sehun rolled his eyes at the two girls sitting at the breakfast table. Seryung was explaining their parents’ strange choice in furnishing a.k.a. the reason why their houses interior decor looked like it belonged in a historical drama all but the siblings rooms.

Sehun clicked his tongue at the chair specifically saved for him and wondered which childish party had planned to leave a total of five seats at the breakfast table that usually consisted of eight. His sister and Hana took up two seats, the other two were specifically allocated for his parents as suggested by their throne-like decor, which left him with the last seat that sat opposite Hana. Sehun glared at the formation.

“Hey! It wasn’t me,” Seryung raised her hands in defense. Hana glanced at them curiously wondering what lied between the vague exchange of words. Sehun sighed deeply and took to his seat scowling. His parents were too obvious about things! He recalled the mortifying ring exchange in disdain.

“Looks like the parental-units hid the chairs,” Seryung commented grinning. “It doesn’t matter Sehunnie. You just get to spend a little more quality time with us! Enjoy it while it lasts,” she called from across the table.

Sehun frowned as his sister talked down to him, she'd adjusted her tongue all too quickly for his liking.

“Don’t be rude,” Hana chided quietly elbowing her companion.

Seryung laughed and raised an eyebrow in response, “Heol! You guys’ just got engaged and you’re already taking sides!”

Sehun shook his head at his sister’s child-like nature. It was clear that she was the daughter of her parents,’ both were equally childish!

“I’m sorry Sehun. Seryung is just being silly right now,” Hana apologized slapping her hand onto her friends mouth hoping to alleviate some of Sehun’s annoyance.

“She’s always been silly,” he commented nonchalantly glancing at the feast that lay set on the table. He looked towards Seryung who was pouting and then arched his eyebrow to look back at Hana who'd dropped the '-shi' suffix from his name, it was undoubtedly the work of Seryung!

Seryung ignored the glare being shot her way and hoped Hana would say something instead. She needed the two of them to converse every now and again other wise the time she spent on lessons would be futile.

“Your mother prepared these for us saying she had to go help out at a charity auction.”

“Such a waste of food,” Sehun grumbled taking the spare seat, he was more concerned about his stomach than he was about sitting next to Hana, however his stomach did nothing to stop his sarcasm, “How did she expect us to finish this? Even Jong In wouldn’t be able to finish all of this!”

Seryung snorted and nudged for Hana to continue. Hana smiled and elbowed her friend back under Sehun’s watchful gaze.

 “She said she’d have the leftovers packed,” Hana smiled knowing that Seryung's concern didn't lie in the conversation but rather in leaving a good impression, however Hana knew her first impression had fizzled into nothing-ness and that now Sehun probably didn't care much for her at all.

“So we’re having the same breakfast again, tomorrow! Isn’t that just great?” Sehun scoffed sarcastically putting down his chopsticks. He’d finished eating and a quick glance at the girls’ plates told him they’d be finished long before him. He deduced that they were waiting for him. A plan that undoubtedly belonged to sister Seryung who'd gotten all to friendly with his so-called fiancee. Sehun wished this new found friendship would turn to dust soon because he was beginning to hate it. They were teaming against him and he didn't like it!

Sehun frowned and waved towards the kitchen maids. "Pack this all up, I'm taking it with me," he declared and ignored the curiously strange look that his so-call fiancee was shooting.

"You're taking it all? Where?" Hana asked as Seryung pouted again. Seryung wanted to scoff at her brother for opting to continue with charity work because his 'first-love' had once done the same. Rae Mi had spent her weekends in the homeless shelter, volunteering and Sehun had followed her, even after Rae Mi's death he still worked there, every weekend. However Seryung wasn't allowed to disclose this piece if information if she wanted to keep the confidence of her brother. Seryung winced at her brothers retort.

"To the Han, to dump it all. She made it? She probably bought it first thing in the morning. She simply doesn't make food. You should get used to her. She'll be your so-called mother-in-law but rest assured. You will have to cook because I don't want to do the cooking."

Seryung made a face and hid her face in her hands. Why was he disclosing information about the parental-units so readily? It wasn't like him to randomly fire words. She wanted to kick him from under the table but alas he was too far away.

Surprise flitted across Hana’s face at his calm tone as Sehun spoke of his mother as if she were someone he despised, she had been expecting him to drop some sort of sarcasm her way but to hiss at his mother was, surprising as it was strange. Hana wasn't used to expressive Sehun.

"She didn't buy it. I was here when she was making it. She was cooking," Hana replied dumbfounded, she glanced at Seryung to make sense of why Sehun spoke of his mother in discontent.

"Yeah. She bought it. Froze it. Pretended to cook it," Sehun scoffed and leaned back into his seat. "Can she even cook?" Sehun muttered under his breath as the maids hurriedly packed the food to avoid becoming the target of his anger, as handsome as he was, he also had a very short fuse at home.

"Han river?" Hana asked and looked toward Seryung for help. Seryung smirked woefully and shrugged her shoulders, "No," she replied hoping it was enough for Hana to know that she didn't want part in this angry conversation.

"It's going somewhere but is it even edible?" Sehun asked no one in particular. "I don't want people getting a stomachache because of it." It was then that Hana noted Sehun had eaten very little of his own food. He'd just had a few mouthfuls of rice as the rest of his plate remained untouched.

"It's edible," Hana informed him, she should feel her anger rising in defense of her mother-in-law but she didn't dare antagonize him. She couldn't do that. It would change his already negative impression into something worse. "Don't throw it away, it'll go to waste," was all Hana could say, she leaned back in her seat and stared into the distance, how was she going to live with these people in the future? They were all so different and moody with each carried a stubborn quality that Hana was unsure how to tackle.

"It won't go to waste. You should thank me. I'm saving your stomach ergo other peoples stomachs will be sacrificed. Are you sure this is microwave food? It's home cooked? If it was made at home I should really throw it out before everyone gets sick," Sehun looked towards the maids for an explanation, they flustered under his gaze and none of them were willing to make eye contact with him, let alone report his behavior. The last time someone had dared to report him to Mr. & Mrs. Oh, he'd had them fired for having 'loose mouths,' how he'd convinced his parents of such a story was beyond them, all they knew was to be careful.

"It's microwave food, sir," one maid interjected carefully making Sehun smirk and leaving Hana in a state of confusion.

"But it doesn't taste like microwave food..." Hana furrowed her brows and picked up her chopsticks to taste a piece of meat from Sehun's plate. Seryung wanted to whimper as Hana broke the boundary that Sehun had created but Sehun had been surprisingly patient.

Hana placed the morsel into and crewed slowly, she'd never tasted microwave food before, ever! Her mother was a keen cook and only cooked Indian cuisine, Hana had learnt a few dishes from her mother but in this house, the culture differed, her cooking wouldn't be of any use.

"It tastes... Different?" Hana questioned as Seryung began to laugh, "Of course it does, it is different! It's fake food!"

A/N: has anyone made it this far, reading? Leave me a comment and lemme know, 'kay? I'm kinda lonely... Does anyone like this fic enough to reach this chapter?

*dongsaeng - younger sibling, usually related, but in this context is someone Rae Mi thinks is a cute little kid.

'Garakji' means a pair of big rings. It was also called “Jihwan”. Garakji appeared from the Joseon Dynasty era. It was only for married women. If a woman put on only one ring in her finger, it means she was a single. Only married women could put on a pair of rings, which means harmony with her husband. The idea came from the Confucianism. ^[1]
Some historical fashion links: 1, 2.

 << I wonder if these bring out the inner history fanatic in people. The concept is really interesting and the rings are cute!