Because It's You - Hwang Inyeop

Eighteen

"Congratulations on the success of your drama!" Hee-soon's mother stopped changing the channel when she saw In-youp being interviewed in one of the famous entertainment shows. Hee-soon's parents gave her a visit because they know how busy she is at work. They have decided to bring her a lot of side dishes and some food which can be reheated easily.

"Wow! Look at how famous our boy is now. He is now being interviewed in one of the top entertainment shows in our country," Hee-soon's father said as his eyes are fixed on the television while peeling some apples.

"You did great portraying the character," the host said. "I was moved to tears in one of your scenes. I believe a lot of the viewers cried with you in that scene."

"I'm glad I was able to bring out the right emotions in that part. It was thanks to our director. He made sure to point out important points in my acting," In-youp answered.

"A lot of people are manifesting that you will get the Rookie award of the year," the host continued complimenting him which made In-youp shyly smile.

"There are a lot of great rookie actors today. But if that happens, of course, I will be very grateful," In-youp said with a shy smile on his lips.

"I'm telling you that will happen," the host insisted which made the audience laugh. The host looked at his cue cards and continued talking. "You also managed to steal a lot of women's hearts because of your character but we heard that there is this one lady who stole yours." The host said and gave In-youp a meaningful stare.

Hee-soon's parents slowly looked at her. Her mother sighed while her father smiled widely at her as he approves of their relationship so much. In-youp already talked to them and asked for Hee-soon's hands in which her father immediately approved. Her mother hesitated at first but she agreed to the wedding eventually.

"We heard from your manager that the way you proposed is not the usual way to propose. We heard that you proposed to her while you were admitted to the hospital," the host said and the camera focused on the manager who quickly covered his face while laughing. The camera then focused on In-youp who is giving his manager a let's talk later look while smiling in disbelief.

"You can scold your manager later," the host said which gained more laughter from the audience. "Would you mind telling us that special moment?" The host tried to fish for more details in which he knows the audience would love to hear.

"Well, there was no ring or any special event when I proposed," In-youp started and he was not able to hide his smile when he remembered that moment. "Every moment with her is special. She is special."

In-youp's declaration of love towards Hee-soon made the girl's heart pound so fast and she feels butterflies swarm in her stomach. She cannot believe that he will declare his love for her on national television.

"You seem to love her dearly," the host said as he felt the sincerity in In-youp's words.

"She has no idea how much," In-youp said as he smiled at the host.

"Congratulations on your upcoming wedding," the host said and stretched his hand at In-youp for them to shake. In-youp accepted his hand and thanked him. The show ended with In-youp promoting his upcoming drama.

"Our boy has truly grown up," Hee-soon's father said. " He had the guts to declare his love for my princess on national television. Not every man can do it especially if he is at the peak of his career." Her father suddenly let out a fake sob, bringing his hands to his mouth "My princess is being taken away from me."

Hee-soon chuckled at how silly her father is. "Eiii, dad. You don't have to worry. I will marry a guy who you trust the most. I'm sure he will take care of me just like how you take care of me," she said and placed her head on her father's shoulder. Her father wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her like how he did when she was still a kid.

"Of all people, why does it have to be In-youp?" They heard her mother said whose eyes are focused on the television. "You two are like siblings. I can't believe you ended up together."

Hee-soon knows that the reason why her mother is acting this way is that she fears that something might happen to them and they might just end up leaving each other because of In-youp's occupation. Her mother doesn't like the idea that she might just be heartbroken in the future. She loves both of them so much and she doesn't want anyone from them to be hurt.

Both Hee-soon and her father looked at each other and smiled knowing as to why the aging lady is acting this way. Hee-soon was about to say something when she heard the password of her door lock indicating that someone is coming in. She immediately knew it was In-youp so she quickly runs to the door and before In-youp could completely enter, Hee-soon jumped at him and gave him a tight hug.

In-youp wrapped his arms around her body as he closed the door. "Missed me that much?" He chuckled and Hee-soon nodded with her face buried in his shoulder. In-youp pulled away a little from her with his hands still holding her waist. He removed strands of hair blocking Hee-soon's face in which he finds so beautiful.

"How was the first shoot?" She asked as she stared at his eyes and gave him a sweet smile. In-youp just stared at the girl he's holding. This is what he's been dreaming of. He dreams of coming home from work being greeted by her wife's warm hug. He's been dreaming this to happen with her. So instead of answering her question, he cupped her neck and pulled her to kiss her lips. Hee-soon smiled under his kisses.

"Ehem!" Both In-youp and Hee-soon pulled away from each other and In-youp's eyes widen seeing Hee-soon's father watching them. He immediately bowed at the old man with respect, not knowing what to do after being caught kissing his daughter.

"You have a lot of days to do that after your wedding," Hee-soon's father said and walked towards them. He wore his shoes and draped his arms around In-youp's shoulder. "Let's go! We have a lot of talking to do."

"Dad, he just came home from work. He's tired," Hee-soon said as In-youp is being dragged away by her father.

"Are you tired?" Hee-soon's father eyed In-youp, giving him a signal that he should not protest and just come with him.

"I'm not tired," In-youp said and looked at Hee-soon. "I'll call you later."

"Dad, don't let him drink too much!" Hee-soon said but it has fallen into deaf ears and continuously drag In-youp away. Hee-soon sighed and went to the living room where her mother is. She sat beside her and rest her head on her shoulder.

"I know you are worried, mom. I am worried, too," Hee-soon said and linked her arms to her mother's. "I know In-youp and I will face obstacles. Our marriage will not be a perfect one." She looks at her mother who just stared at the television but she knows she is listening. She placed her head on her shoulder once again.

"Remember when you and dad had a major fight which caused dad not to come home for several days?" She said which made her mother look at her.

"Why do you have to bring that up?" Her mother asked with irritation.

"You did not give up and fought for your marriage," Hee-soon said which made her mother's eyes watery upon remembering what happened. "You made sure that dad came home. I don't know how both of you patched up but what I am certain of is that you both love each other even though you sometimes have misunderstandings."

Hee-soon reached for her mother's hand and squeezed it. "I am certain that In-youp and I will be the same. We'll have a marriage just like yours because that is how you raised both of us. You raised us in a loving family." Hee-soon's tears fall down her cheeks as she smiled at her mother.

Her mother reached for her cheeks and wiped her tears. "You love him, don't you?" She said in a hushed tone of voice.

"So much," she replied as she held her mom's hand on her cheek.

"Then you completely have my blessing," her mother smiled and clasped her hands on hers. "But both your father and I will immediately interfere if he did something wrong to you."

Hee-soon chuckled and sniffed at the same time. "Don't worry mom, that will not happen. Because if he did something wrong to me it is I who will handle him," she said and both of them chuckled.