Against the Odds | DAERIN

Chapter: 2

After I'd finished, I closed up the shop and headed home. I knew I needed to be on time; otherwise, Jungwon would go mad at me. So I cycled home as fast as I could, not wanting to make him angry.

"I'm home," I said as I opened the door.

"Hi, honey!" my dad replied as I walked into the kitchen. The table was set, and the smell of macaroni and cheese filled the house.

"Good, you're here. I was starting to think you might've been late," Jungwon said from behind me, which caused me to roll my eyes. I've never really understood why Jungwon has such a problem with my sexuality; after all, he's not religious. He just thinks it isn't natural or acceptable. I wonder if his girlfriend thinks the same. My thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door. I guess I'm about to find out.

Jungwon hurries to the door, opening it and welcoming in his girlfriend. I can see she has brown hair, but Jungwon is standing in front of her, and I can't quite see the rest. As they walk into the kitchen and Jungwon moves out of the way, my mouth drops.

Danielle?

She looks just as beautiful as she did earlier, except this time her hair is down and her glasses have been removed.

"Family, this is Danielle. Danielle, this is my family," Jungwon says, gesturing to us.

I make eye contact with her. She smiles at me, remembering our encounter from earlier today.

"My name's Joongin, and this is my wife Krystal," my dad says, offering his hand.

"Nice to meet you," she replies, taking his hand and shaking it. He walks back to the oven, preparing the food. "Jungwon, come and taste this," he says. As Jungwon walks past, he whispers, "Go introduce yourself."

I roll my eyes. I walk toward Danielle, catching her attention.

"You have a beautiful house," she says, smiling politely.

"Thank you," I reply, offering my hand. "It's nice to formally meet you. I'm Haerin."

She laughs. Oh god, that laugh again.

"We've technically already met," she says, taking my hand anyway. The contact sends sparks through my hand.

"I didn't introduce myself, though."

"True."

I drop her hand, realizing we've been shaking them for quite a while.

"I think the food's done now. Take a seat," I say, gesturing to the table.

As we both sit down, my dad brings a big bowl of macaroni and cheese, placing it in the middle of the table.

"Thanks, Dad," I say, putting some on my plate.

"Thank you, Mr. Kang," Danielle says after me.

"Oh please, just call us by our names, sweetie," my mom says, sitting down.

After everyone had sat down and started eating, my parents started to ask Danielle questions.

"So how did you two meet?" my mom asked, looking over at Jungwon.

"We met in a café," Danielle replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yeah," Jungwon replied, shoveling mouthfuls of macaroni into his mouth. He had always been a disgusting eater.

"Do you have a job?" my dad asked, looking at Danielle.

"Yeah, I work at the café in town."

"Bean?" I asked, remembering the coffee shop just down the road from the bookstore.