Moving On With You, Jinjoo

30: Meet The Family

As the navigator guided them closer to their destination, Yujin couldn't help but notice the breathtaking view of the coastline they trailed along. "This must be the reason why you love the beach," she concluded as the scenery unfurled before her.

Minju couldn't have agreed more, her life seemed to be entwined with the essence of beaches. The expansive ocean and the skyline were etched into her core memories.

The traditional yet modern, quaint house came into view, a cosy sanctuary for Minju's family.

Yujin's heartbeat matched the rhythm of the car engine as they parked along the gravel driveway. Glancing at Minju, she found solace in her encouraging smile, attempting to alleviate the unforeseen tension creeping in.

Unfastening her seatbelt, Minju tenderly cupped Yujin's cheek. "You'll be fine," she reassured before stepping out of the car, prompting Yujin to inhale deeply, excitement tinged with nerves, following suit.

Assisting with their bags, Yujin trailed behind Minju towards the front door, her thoughts swirling with the anticipation of meeting her girlfriend's family for the first time.

Minju opened the gate, ensuring Yujin was close behind. Entranced, the younger girl admired the towering tree that grew in the front yard.

Standing before the door, Yujin watched as Minju retrieved a key hidden beneath a flower pot next to a rocking chair, unlocking the door.

"There's no one home?" Yujin asked, somewhat expecting a bustling family gathering, reminiscent of movies.

"We got here early," Minju said, pushing the door open. "My parents are at the store, my grandma is with her friends, and my sister is busy in school."

When Yujin realised it was the middle of the afternoon, everything started to make sense. "My heart was about to fall out of my chest," she confessed, slipping off her shoes. "You should've told me."

Minju chuckled, bringing the bags inside. Hearing the soft chime of bells drawing closer, she turned to witness a small, white furball trotting toward them. Swiftly, she positioned Yujin in front of her, surprising the younger girl.

"What's wrong?" Yujin was puzzled until she spotted the white cat. "Oh? You never told me you had a cat."

"Does it look like I knew?" Minju ground her words through her teeth and hid behind her, moving around when the cat started rubbing itself onto Yujin's legs.

Amused, Yujin chuckled, observing Minju's feline evasion. Setting her coat aside, she gently picked up the cat, teasing her girlfriend playfully until Minju bolted upstairs with the bags.

Yujin affectionately rubbed the kitten's chin whose eyes couldn't deviate from hers. "Don't worry, she doesn't hate you."

As the glass doors swung open, Yujin turned to see an elderly lady enter, emitting a relieved sigh. Her silver hair was elegantly coiffed, adorned in a warm, maroon knitted vest layered over long sleeves.

Stretching her back, the lady's gaze settled on Yujin at the front door. Without uttering a word, she redirected her attention to the kitten nestled in Yujin's arms. "This is strange," she mused, approaching the younger girl, who respectfully bowed in greeting. "How did you carry her?"

Yujin sensed her curiosity. "I just...picked her up." She looked for Minju who came down the stairs.

When the brunette saw who it was, her smile brightened. "Halmi," she called. "You're back early."

The lady turned around to see her granddaughter coming towards them. "Oh, Minju!" She opened her arms, bringing her into a warm hug. "When did you get here? Why didn't you say anything? I was on the balcony."