If U Hate Me I'll Love U | Jeongcheol

38. The matter itself

"When"

"Today morning, she didn't find anyone home"

"Are you alright? Where have you been?"

.....

"I'm worried, please don't press on yourself"

"Of course I'll be fine. Also don't ask me about her anymore. She's your wife and we all know she was wrong, I can't accept the fact that she'll come back so easily as if we're toys she can throw and have whenever she pleases"

"Hah... anyway we'll talk about it later. But promise to call her back"

"I would never! I'm not going to promise anything!"

"Jeonghan dear, she's still your mother. I'm fine with her if she admitted her fault but you're taking it too seriously"

I sighed deeply by meaning so that my dad could hear it on the phone and looked back at Seungcheol who was standing in the middle of the kitchen. My expression was deadpan and tired at the same time as I tried to make him end the call.

"Okay I'll see. It's late go to sleep and rest for a while"

"Also there's something important I have to tell you.."

"We can talk about it when you come back. I'm tired today, bye"

I ended the call intentionally and shook my head. He has a lot of things to say, some can't be said just on the phone and needs to be solved personally. I'm not being rude with my dad but I felt it's unrespectable to talk on the phone while someone is waiting for your help with important things.

In results, the relatives gathered this noon too to take up the purpose Seungcheol's family came for. They talked about it on their third day here but things got out of hand as Seungcheol's father got agitated and started nagging.

Everyone is waiting, as time goes by I feel nervous more and more. Is it okay if I butt in in this conversation this time? Last time I sat quietly and didn't utter a word as I watched how they're arguing.

Seungcheol stood in front of me as he hold onto my wrists in hope "You will do it with me as we promised right?"

His question made me tense and I broke the eye contact and looked at our hands. I do want but I'm unsure of something like this, it's a crucial matter to him, if I mess up or don't succeed then we both are doomed. Moreover, by him putting all his hope in me makes me more pressured if I'm not being able to get him out of this.

"I'm afraid of saying something unnecessary or mess up. If this hap-"

"Don't, say everything you wanted your parents to understand when they're planning on this for you. We had the same problem remember? I believe you'll do it better" He let go of my left arm and moved his hand up to my heart "If this is sincere enough, it'll solve anything without a conflict. Trust me"

"Um" Miyeong interrupted "Our fathers are waiting for you" She blurted this sentence out and went back. Her voice was low and weak, her eyes stared at us for a moment then darted to the floor. The expression on her face shows the same thing we're feeling now.

"Let's go" I finally encouraged myself and dragged him out with me. They were sitting in the lounge discussing something. When I saw them I let go of  Seungcheol's hand and sat down before him across his mother and father then he walked and sat beside me. I smiled without turning around and he understood that it was directed to him as encouragement.

Everything got silent. The two women were looking at each other from time to time and finally decided to break the awkward moment "Umm-" Both talked at the same time.

"Hm continue you go first"

"No no you start-"

"I insist, go" Seungcheol's mother chuckled and took the offer open heartedly and began "I'm sure you both know the topic" She pointed at her son and niece with her hands "I'll give the word to Miyeong, say what you think"

As quick the question was sent toward her, the faster she stuttered. No word was heard from the girl as if she forgot how to talk. Her eyes kept on switching between her mother and auntie before. The atmosphere felt heavier for everyone else too as they all were waiting for a simple sentence.

Miyeong couldn't take it anymore and apologized "I'm sorry! I don't really know!" She lowered her head severly with psed eyes.

"Miyeong, you're old enough to give your opinion-"

"But mom-"

"We all agreed on your marriage long time ago. The mother is a pharmaceutical and the father as an engineer, your family will be well educated and much more amazing" The woman ignored her son and patted the empty spot beside her for Miyeong to go and sit on. The girl hesitated then walked slowly with her head down. Before sitting down she made eye contact with me but as soon as she took her eyes off.

Miyeong looked back at the boy next to me "As-ask Seungcheol first, I-I don't know"

"Miyeong sweetie, there's only 3-4 years between you, it's nothing. You've known each other since childhood and that's a good point in your marriage"

"Sister is right, there won't be conflicts between you" Miyeong grasped her hands tighter on the pillow in her arms "Isn't that rational? You'll take care of her"

Seungcheol stared at his cousin for some minutes before arguing back to his mother "I understand your thoughts my parents, but as a last answer without meaning any harm, I seriously don't want to get married yet"

His dad sighed audibly. For me, I was proud that he finally broke his 'perfect personality' and refused something he doesn't want. After hearing this, the two men began the long lecture of why the two should be together.

As we listened, Seungcheol poked my thigh few times with his finger without anyone noticing. I understood he wants me to say something but I can't find the right time to do so. As the time pass by I feel more guilty of letting it go without doing a thing.

"Uncle, if your daughter doesn't want to get married. Are you going to force her then?"

The two got interrupted and stared at what Seungcheol blurted out. They stayed silent and I took the chance to back it up "It should be them who decide otherwise coersion won't make them happy"

My heart was pounding thousands beats per minute but I tried hard to stay calm. In the middle silence I also heard Seungcheol's heart beats. He's worried that my interruption would make trouble or if we talk back to the elderly would make a problem. Is it really worth building bad relationships with each other just because of a marriage?

"Mr. Jeonghan, we know their priority, we all had gone through this in life. Where's the problem with them? They both know each other and obviously, liked each other since childhood-"

"As siblings actually" Seungcheol cut off his dad.

"Whatever. If they get together they'll accomplish half of the hardships they'll face in life. Their family will be having a bright future, kids have access to school and comfortable life and not to forget about the health they'll give to the kids. Both have a good and important health perspectives"

"That's true but life isn't easy to let everyone's dreams come true. I'm sorry if I'm being rude but telling honestly, I'm going through the same thing your son is facing now" Unnoticeable, I put my hand on my heart for a second then dragged it back to my knees. I sat properly and faced the men sitting beside each other with my expression being the most sincere one I could be.

"My parents also want me to be married to my cousin. She lost her father in an accident and we two are the most close to one another so they want to make her happier and for me to become better"

"Better what?"

"I see life as senseless, we only have to work, study and survive the elderly"

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