Chaebol Fate

THE CONFESSION

As we ate breakfast, we both received texts from our parents requesting that we meet at my parent's place for dinner.

"Damn it. I thought we were on the right track," I complained.

"Who knows. Maybe they want to congratulate us on our performance Friday night," Jimin suggested.

Jimin was right. That's exactly what they wanted to meet about.

"You two were perfect! Superb!" my mother praised. "Everyone says you are the hottest couple. The public loves you!"

"And that shopping trip yesterday was a nice touch," Jimin's father added.

"All we wanted to do was let you know that we are all very happy to see things are better between you two. Keep it up!" my father encouraged.

"So, is a baby still off the table?" Jimin's mom asked.

"Mom–"

"Mrs. Park, I love the idea of becoming a mother, but I think it would be best if we played this "hot couple" status out as long as we can before I get pregnant. The sex appeal will fade with a pregnancy, and sex sells."

"You know what? You're right, dear. Let's give it some time before you ruin that cute figure of yours."

Jimin smiled at me. I could tell he appreciated me discouraging the idea more respectfully than last time.

You should keep wearing sexy outfits to events, Ji-Hye," she added.

"Really? Jimin didn't like my outfit."

"Why not, Jimin? Ji-Hye was a knockout in that dress."

"I know why," my mom spoke up. "Jimin didn't like the idea of other men looking at his beautiful Ji-Hye," she smiled. "My husband was the same way when we were first married. I used to turn men's heads so fast I gave them whiplash."

"That you did," my father laughed. "As far as I am concerned, you still do, dear. Don't worry, Jimin. I understand your plight all too well. You have nothing to worry about. My Ji-Hye's not the type to stray."

"You can trust that Jimin isn't the type to stray anymore either. Are you, Jimin?" Jimin's father assured.

"No. I only have eyes for Ji-Hye, Father."

Woah! Jimin told quite the whopper! I almost choked on my water. On the drive home, I questioned him about it.

"Why did you lie like that?"

"Lie like what?"

"You told our parents that you only have eyes for me."

"It wasn't a lie."

"Very funny, Jimin."

"It wasn't a lie," he repeated. The streetlight turned red and he brought the car to a stop. He turned and looked at me. "I meant it."

"You're only saying that because of what happened yesterday. You still feel guilty because I was depressed. Pretending you are interested in me to try to make me feel better doesn't help, Jimin. It will only make things worse."

Jimin took a deep breath and exhaled. "Fine. I won't pretend."

"Good. Thank you. Friends shouldn't lie to each other."

We arrived home and I kicked off my heels and plopped on the couch. Jimin headed to the bar and poured himself a glass of wine. "Want some?"

"I'd love some. Thank you, Jimin."

He joined me on the couch and handed me a glass of wine. I took a sip and set my glass down on the coffee table. I then leaned back, tilted my head back, and closed my eyes. Jimin started playing with my hair, tucking it behind my ears.