TANTIANA UNIVERSITY | RED

CHAPTER 13: A GENTLE PUSH

The weekend had finally arrived, and Gayoon found herself on the long journey to the Shin family house, the place where family members often gathered for special occasions, holidays, or simply for the sake of catching up. Today was no different, and she had already mentally prepared herself for what was to come.

A three-hour ride was particularly exhausting, especially with the sun blazing at its peak, casting an oppressive heat that made the interior of the car feel suffocating. Gayoon adjusted the collar of her high-collared shirt, making sure it covered her collarbone completely. She had no intention of letting anyone see the glowing tattoo that marked her as bonded. The last thing she needed was more attention on something that, for now, she'd rather keep private.

She could already imagine the barrage of questions that would come once she stepped foot inside the house—her family was relentless when it came to soulmates. She could already picture their faces, expectant and eager to know everything about her bond, her soulmate, and what had happened in the month since the connection was made.

Of course they'd know, Gayoon thought bitterly. They've all been through it.

Every single family member, at least the older ones, had already gone through the soulmate experience themselves. They had either already introduced their partners or had done so when they were her age. They understood the process, the pressure, the overwhelming nature of it all. In fact, Gayoon was the last one left who hadn't made a public declaration about her soulmate. Even though she had younger cousins and little nephews and nieces, none of them were old enough to fully comprehend the situation, and honestly, she wasn't sure if she could handle their incessant questions right now.

For now, the only people who knew about my bond are Ryujin, Yuna, and their soulmates. Gayoon sighed, grateful for the small circle of support she had, but even that felt like a burden at times. They were just as curious, though they understood the need for space. But the rest of the family? They wouldn't let her escape so easily.

The car finally pulled up to the family house, its grand stone pillars and wide windows standing out against the green expanse of the yard. The house had been passed down through generations, an emblem of the Shin family's long-standing wealth and status. It was large enough to accommodate a small army, designed specifically for gatherings like this one. The fact that it was open to anyone who wanted to stay made it a second home for most of the extended family.

As Gayoon stepped out of the car, the heat hit her like a wave, and she immediately regretted the decision to wear a long-sleeve, high-collared shirt. She could feel the sweat collecting at her back, but she had no choice. Her father's side of the family was notorious for prying into every little detail, and she wasn't ready to show the tattoo just yet.

"Gayoon!" Yuna's voice broke through her thoughts as she spotted her cousin walking up the driveway. She beamed, her arms open wide as if expecting a hug. "I heard your dad can't come. He's still stuck in New York, right?"

"Yeah, same old excuse," Gayoon replied, forcing a smile as she waved at Jisung, who was standing nearby.

"Are you hiding your soulmate tattoo?" Yuna's voice dropped, her tone becoming more careful, as if she sensed the tension in the air.

Gayoon smiled faintly and nodded, then pulled Yuna into a side walk. "If they find out, they're going to bug me to arrange a meeting with him. You know how they are. It'll be non-stop."

"Still not on good terms with him?" Yuna frowned, her voice laced with concern. "It's been almost a month, Gayoon. You were with him last night, right? What happened?"