"Jennie, this arrangement was never about what we want for ourselves. It's about what's expected of us."
"I understand the duty, Taehyung, but it's hard to ignore the silence between us. It feels like we're bound by an agreement we both hesitate to...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Jennie went downstairs to find her parents quietly eating breakfast together. She had always disliked having meals at the dining table with them, as their conversations rarely included her. She longed for them to ask about her day, but it never happened. Instead, she usually opted to eat in her room unless her parents insisted she join them.
Her dad looked up and said, "Come have breakfast."
"I'll just eat outside; Mom asked me to go shopping," Jennie replied.
Her mother shifted her gaze from her plate to Jennie. "Make sure to pick something suitable for dinner tonight."
Jennie nodded, then stepped outside and got into her car, ready to drive to the mall.
✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧
The Kim siblings-Jisoo, Taehyung, and Lia-arrived at the mall. The girls darted into various shops that caught their interest while Taehyung patiently followed along.
Jisoo picked out a dress from Dior, while Lia searched for something special. Eventually, they reached Chanel, where a particular dress caught Lia's eye.
"Guys, do you think this is suitable for dinner?" she asked her siblings.
Jisoo examined the dress. "I think it's perfect."
"If you like it, then buy it," Taehyung added.
"I asked for your opinion, not advice," Lia countered.
"Didn't you hear Jisoo's opinion?" Taehyung replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"I did, but I want your opinion too" Lia insisted.
"Fine, it's good," Taehyung sighed, exasperated.
"Great! Let's head to the checkout," Lia exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face as she grabbed the dress.
Taehyung and Jisoo followed her as she took out her black card to pay. After another hour of shopping for Taehyung's suit, they finally left the mall and headed home.
Meanwhile, Jennie had her breakfast at a nearby café, enjoying her own company before driving to the mall to shop.
✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧
Upon arriving home, Lia rushed inside and embraced her parents. "I missed you, Mom and Dad!"
"We missed you too, princess," her dad replied, wrapping his arms around her.
As Taehyung and Jisoo entered, Taehyung asked, "Why did you come back to Korea all of a sudden?"
"I want to settle here. It's been long enough since I left," Lia explained.
Jisoo chimed in, "What about the company?"
"I handed it over to someone," Lia replied.
Then Lia turned to Jisoo, asking, "How are the preparations going?"
Their mom answered, "She planned to finish the preparations with you."
"Let's go out tomorrow then," Lia suggested.
"Sure," Jisoo agreed.
Their dad interjected, "Why don't you go rest, Lia? You've just traveled. Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine, Dad, but I will go rest now," Lia said, heading upstairs.
Taehyung said, "I'll go to my study. I have work to do." Their dad nodded in understanding.
Jisoo added, "I'm meeting Rosé now. Bye, Dad and Mom."
"Bye, Jisoo. Take care," their parents replied.
✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧
At the Park mansion, there was still an hour until the Kims would arrive. Jisoo had arrived two hours earlier. After getting ready, Taehyung headed to his study, while Lia chatted with Jisoo. Mr. and Mrs. Kim engaged in their own conversation.
In contrast, Jennie had just finished getting ready and came down the stairs. Her mother spotted her and frowned. "Couldn't you have chosen something more appealing?"
She continued, "I only asked you to pick a dress, yet you couldn't even do that properly."
Her dad, who had been silent, spoke up. "Jennie, this dinner is important for our family."
Jennie felt cornered; she couldn't see a fault in her outfit. "Do you want me to change?" she asked.
"No need. Just remember to behave properly tonight," her mom replied.
"Do you think I don't behave well enough now, Mom?" Jennie countered.
"The way you're speaking to me shows just how diligent you are," her mother retorted.
"Who gave you the right to question me?" her mom snapped.
Jennie fell silent, knowing the futility of arguing with her mother. "Sorry," she mumbled, retreating to her room to scroll through her phone.
After 30 minutes, a maid knocked and said, "Miss Jennie, Mr. and Mrs. Park asked me to tell you to come down."
Jennie nodded, checking her reflection in the mirror one last time before following the maid.
Her parents were already in the car when she joined them. The ride to the Kim mansion was enveloped in silence.
✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧
Back at the Kim mansion, everything was prepared as Mr. and Mrs. Kim awaited the Park family's arrival. Soon, Taehyung joined his sisters at the dining table.
When the Park family's car pulled up, the Kim siblings stood up in unison. Mr. and Mrs. Park stepped out, and the Kims greeted them warmly. The three siblings bowed respectfully to their guests.
Jennie also bowed to Mr. and Mrs. Kim, adhering to the customs of respect. The group made their way to the dining table, settling in for the evening ahead.
