Chapter 18
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: At 18, We Went to Meet the Parents [03]
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I gazed at the sturdy iron gate guarding the mansion.
Finally here.
When we were kids, I used to play here all the time. We'd play house, dig in the dirt.
There were times we'd hold hands and explore every corner of the garden. As I reminisced about those childhood days...
The closed gate rattled open with a clank.
Time to go in, right?
But my feet wouldn't budge.
I wasn't mentally prepared yet.
I need a little more time. My heart was pounding, my legs shaking. I froze in place, rooted to the spot.
What snapped me out of it was Seo-rin's touch. She gently kneaded my stiff shoulders, and my mind started to relax.
Were my knotted muscles loosening?
My body felt a bit lighter.
Okay. Just stay calm like this...
But she didn't miss her chance.
She quickly grabbed my hand and pulled me forward.
It was so natural and smooth, I didn't even have time to protest.
Her dark eyes were right in front of me.
They stared straight into mine.
"You came here last year too. No need to be so nervous, right?"
"The situation's different now."
Yeah. Totally different.
We're not just friends anymore.
On that spring day when cherry blossoms were falling...
She proposed to me, and I accepted. No regrets about that choice. Every day since has been pure happiness.
Of course, with happiness came plenty of incidents.
Some small, some big.
But looking back...
All that's left are the good memories.
Even amid that happiness, one thing nagged at me: Seo-rin's parents. We should've paid our respects right after getting married...
But life got hectic all of a sudden, and there was no time.
Everything felt so new back then—marriage, modeling, streaming. I could barely keep myself together.
Maybe this worry will turn out to be nothing once we're face-to-face. They'll probably brush it off as no big deal.
But I couldn't shake the anxiety.
I wanted to make a good impression if possible. That's why I picked relatively neat clothes.
A white blouse topped with a pink jacket, and jeans to finish. To avoid looking too plain, I added a beige bag.
This should be fine, right?
I glanced sideways...
She seemed oblivious to my inner turmoil.
That confident poise...
I envy it. I want it too.
It's unfair. Unjust. I'm jealous.
Why am I the only one shaking like this?
"It's no big deal. Nothing's changed except that we're married. Don't be so tense."
"Easier said than done."
"...Anyway, let's hurry. Mom's waiting."
"O-okay. We can't be late."
We passed through the gate into the garden.
Neatly trimmed trees and a massive fountain that drew the eye came into view.
Red koi swam lazily inside it.
Still as pretty as ever.
I let out a soft sigh of admiration and looked around briefly.
People were bustling about everywhere in the garden—pulling weeds, carefully polishing decorations, all sorts.
A few noticed us and bowed politely. Something like heartfelt congratulations on the marriage.
Hearing that from total strangers felt kinda embarrassing.
I tried to hide my shyness and replied with a straight face.
Modeling taught me how to act naturally. Who knew it'd come in handy here...
Did Seo-rin find my act funny?
She covered her mouth, smiling beside me.
"I'm impressed. You could be an actress."
Modeling's already plenty tough.
Actress? No way.
I can't even memorize lines...
"Anyone could do that much..."
"Nah, come on. You almost had me fooled."
She chuckled softly.
That laugh grated on my nerves a bit.
"Don't laugh. I was seriously nervous."
"I know. You show it when you're tense. You're gripping my wrist right now."
"Then why laugh?"
"Because it's cute."
She stepped close and hugged my waist tight. No room to turn. Her lips brushed my nape.
I barely stifled a yelp.
Wriggle. Squirm.
My hands and feet tingled.
My eyes darted around involuntarily.
No mirror needed to know.
My face must be beet red. I wish she'd save this for when we're alone. Don't want anyone seeing me like this.
"A blushing Yu-na is cute too..."
"S-stop... People are watching."
"Maybe they'll like it?"
Seo-rin shrugged.
That casual attitude was annoying.
But also reassuring.
No matter how much I freak out, she's steady. It comforted me somehow.
I quietly took her hand.
No words.
As the distance closed, her breathing grew louder. She squeezed back silently.
Our fingers intertwined. Warm and cozy.
"It'll be fine. I'm right here."
Calm, steady words. That was all it took...
My racing heart slowed.
The anxiety ebbed away.
One step from the door.
I grabbed the handle without hesitation.
I'm not alone.
I've got my rock beside me.
I mustered my courage and stepped inside.
Tall ceiling, marble floors.
Enormous windows lining both sides.
The space flooded with light was dazzling. Still the same. Even as a kid, I thought this house was huge.
Endless hallways, countless rooms. It felt like a palace.
We used to play hide-and-seek here a lot.
But the place was too big.
I'd get lost more than once...
I remembered wandering the mansion in tears.
"Oh my, oh my! You're finally here!"
Brisk footsteps echoed from down the hall.
Black hair tied back, white knit top with a beige skirt. A white handkerchief in hand.
It was Seo-rin's mom.
She looks so young still.
You'd think she was in her twenties from her appearance.
Hard to believe she's borne ten kids. That skin's so plump and firm...
Human tech is amazing.
I greeted her last year, so this year too...
Huh? What's this? My mouth wouldn't move.
My legs felt pinned in place. Gotta snap out of it. Calm down and try again. I steadied my ragged breathing.
I hurriedly bowed.
"I'm Sung Yu-na. I'm so sorry for coming so late."
My voice shook. Definitely shook.
The practiced lines tangled in my head.
Did I even say it right? No mistakes? My mind went blank.
"Sorry? You were busy, that's all. No need to worry about it."
Mom waved it off with a laugh.
Her smile was so warm and bright...
My tense shoulders eased a little.
But that relief was short-lived.
"Yu-na, dear, why's your face so sweaty? You okay? Looking pale too. Should I call the doctor?"
"Oh, it's..."
Cold sweat. From nerves, probably.
Beads on my forehead.
I tried to wipe it calmly with my sleeve...
But Mom handed me her handkerchief first.
"Here, use this."
"Thank you..."
"Come here, sweetie. You're even prettier than last year! That pink hair's more vibrant too."
No sooner had she said it than Mom spread her arms wide.
Wait, h-hold on? Too fast...
It happened in a blink.
No time to speak.
Mom's arms wrapped firmly around my shoulders and yanked me in. My head lurched forward.
"Mmph... W-wait a sec."
My face buried completely in her chest.
So ample and solid, I couldn't budge. I couldn't breathe. For real.
"Mmph...! Mmmph...!"
My hands flailed wildly in the air.
I struggled, but no use.
Couldn't even turn around—vision full of white knit. Am I gonna pass out?
Help me, Seo-rin...
"Mom. Yu-na can't breathe."
"Oh, sorry!"
Finally released.
Phew, close call.
I gulped in air.
"Your face is red. You good?"
"I'm fine. Really."
"Phew, glad to hear it. Truth is, I couldn't wait to see you, but no word made me a bit upset. Worried something tough happened. I imagined all sorts."
"Sorry. Got super busy out of nowhere."
"I know, I know. I get you're both busy, but waiting's hard. But you're here now, that's what matters. Seeing your face is enough."
She beamed and led us to the living room. I headed straight for the sofa.
Better rest a bit. Even standing's tough. I sank into the plush cushions without hesitation.
As I sat there, Mom quietly set warm tea on the table.
Nice aroma. I sipped lightly. My tensed muscles unwound. This is paradise.
"Wait a sec. Got something to show you. Hehe. You'll love it, Yu-na."
Where's she rushing off to?
Curious, I glanced her way.
Seo-rin's eyes were uneasy.
What is it? Why so nervous?
I leaned in and whispered.
"What're you bringing?"
"...Dunno."
Her face was stiff as she answered.
First time seeing that expression... Her tight lips only fueled my curiosity.
Moments later, Mom returned hugging a thick album, faded floral cover caked in dust.
"Seo-rin's baby photos. Had to show Yu-na."
"Mom. Stop right there."
Seo-rin's voice dropped an octave.
"Hold on."
Mom ignored her and slowly opened the album. First page: chubby-cheeked baby.
Round eyes, puffy cheeks, sunny smile.
I froze, then my lips curved up. What is this tiny, innocent thing?
"This is... Seo-rin?"
"Yep! Adorable back then. Worried her cheeks might pop if I poked 'em."
"Totally different now."
"Right? Still pretty, but back then she was like a doll."
Each page revealed little Seo-rin: bathing, eating.
Reaching for flowers in the garden. Every shot so unlike her now.
I couldn't look away.
So cute. Look at those chubby cheeks...
Wanna pinch 'em just once.
"...Enough."
Seo-rin's low, firm voice cut in.
"Why? Yu-na likes it."
"I do, really."
I said honestly.
And sneaked a peek at Seo-rin.
Her face was beet red.
She'd turned to the window, but the more she hid, the more obvious it got.
"You can stop now, Mom."
"Aw, we haven't even hit halfway."
"It's fine."
She slapped her hand on the album to close it.
Mom chuckled silently.
After a brief tussle, she gave up the fight.
Looked bummed about the unseen pics.
I watched her profile, stifling a laugh. Glad I came. Truly.
We chatted on for a while, and slanted sunlight filtered through the windows.
Time had flown.
So absorbed in the album, I hadn't noticed.
"Time to get ready."
Mom set down her teacup and stood.
"Helicopter's already on standby."
Seo-rin said flatly.
Helicopter...?
That word froze me mid-sip. Did I hear wrong?
"...Helicopter?"
"Yeah. Too long by car to the harbor. This is faster."
"Seo-rin, take Yu-na up first. I'll change and join."
She said it so casually.
Mom too. Their nonchalance was surreal.
I glanced around quietly.
The staff, Mom, Seo-rin...
All acting like it's a bus ride.
I felt like I was in another world.
Up on the mansion roof, fierce winds whipped around. A helicopter waited, rotors whirring.
Straight out of a drama.
We're really riding this?
It won't crash, right?
Terror locked my legs.
"Don't wanna go up?"
Seo-rin read my face and asked softly.
That obvious? I checked myself.
Hands and feet trembling.
"You'll get used to it quick."
"...That's scarier."
Seo-rin smiled faintly.
She offered her hand.
I stared at it a moment.
No choice...
Gotta get used to it step by step.
If it's life with her.