Eon-jin quietly settled into the car, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside. Unnoticed by her, tears started to well up in her eyes, and she quickly brushed them away, hoping to hide her emotions from Dong-hoon.
"It's okay, my dear. Let it all out," Dong-hoon said kindly, sensing her distress. With his encouragement, Eon-jin couldn't hold back any longer, and her tears began to flow freely.
"Loving someone isn't always easy. It comes with its share of ups and downs. Sometimes, you'll feel hurt. But that's just a part of the journey. It's through these experiences that you learn and grow." Dong-hoon imparted sagely, his words offering solace to Eon-jin's troubled heart.
Tears streamed down Eon-jin's cheeks as she spoke to Dong-hoon, her voice trembling with emotion. "Abeonim, I— I ended things with your son. I'm truly sorry for causing him pain."
Dong-hoon nodded somberly, his expression reflecting the weight of the situation. "I understand, my child. If that's what you feel is good for now, then I respect your decision," he replied, his tone heavy with regret. "I apologize for Min-hee's behavior too. She wasn't always like this. And I blame myself too. I failed her, and in doing so, I hurt my son and everyone involved. It's a mistake I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
"I understand that I don't have the right to meddle in your relationship with my son," Dong-hoon began solemnly, his gaze fixed on Eon-jin. "I know my son well; he's not one to give up easily. So I implore you not to give up on him either. I have faith that both of you can overcome this hurdle. It may not happen today or tomorrow, but perhaps someday Min-hee will come to accept your relationship. Perhaps she'll realize that Tae-pyung is maturing and capable of making his own decisions."
Eon-jin remained silent, her mind swirling with doubts about her decision regarding her relationship with Tae-pyung. "I don't know if it's even possible," she whispered, tears sliding down her cheeks. "It just feels like everything is falling apart."
Dong-hoon's eyes met hers, filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. "I know it feels impossible right now, but there's always hope. Sometimes, it's the darkest moments that give birth to the strongest bonds. Don't let yourself lose faith so easily." he said gently.
-----
Later, when Eon-jin returned home, she made a beeline for her room, catching her mother off guard.
"Eon-jin, have you eaten yet? I've cooked," Ji-ah called out from outside her daughter's closed bedroom door. Receiving no response, she knocked again. "Is everything alright? You can talk to me, maybe I can help."
After some time passed, the door to Eon-jin's room creaked open, and Ji-ah cautiously stepped inside, her concern evident on her face. "Is everything alright, Eon-jin? Did something happen between you and Tae-pyung?" she inquired gently, noticing her daughter's tear-streaked cheeks. Without hesitation, she enveloped Eon-jin in a comforting hug.
"I ended things with him, Eomma..." Eon-jin sobbed, her voice choked with emotion. Ji-ah's eyes widened in surprise, prompting Eon-jin to explain what had transpired. "I don't know if breaking up with him was the right decision. I don't want the conflict between him and his mother to worsen because of me."
"Has Tae-pyung agreed to end things with you?" Ji-ah asked, her heart heavy with sorrow at her daughter's distress. Eon-jin shook her head in response. "No, he didn't want this. But it felt like the only way forward."
"If you love him, why would you walk away? Is that truly what your heart desires?" Ji-ah questioned gently, her voice filled with sadness.
"My love for Tae-pyung is one of the most precious things in my life." Eon-jin admitted, her voice trembling with emotion. "But, I also can't bear the fact that we are hurting someone because of this relationship."
