An elegant restaurant, where the Kim family has reserved a private room. The ambiance, with soft lighting and tasteful decor.
Taehyung arrives with his parents, their expressions a mixture of excitement and formality. Valeria and her parents are already seated, waiting for them.
Mr. Kim: (smiling warmly) Thank you for meeting us today. We've been looking forward to this introduction.
Mr. Choi: (Ria's father) The pleasure is ours. We've heard so much about Kim Enterprises and your family's reputation.
Mrs. Kim: (turning to Ria) You must be Valeria. It's lovely to finally meet you.
Ria : (nodding politely) Thank you. It's an honor to meet you all as well, And please call me Ria.
Taehyung: (with a polite but reserved tone) Hello, Ms. Ria. I'm Kim Taehyung.
Ria: (smiling gently) Nice to meet you, Mr. Kim.
Mrs. Choi: We've always believed that strong partnerships are built not just in business but also in personal connections. We hope this meeting is the beginning of something wonderful.
Mrs. Kim: Indeed. We value tradition and believe in the strength of family bonds.
While the elders were talking both Taehyung and Ria exchange glances, each lost in their own thoughts about the situation.
Taehyung: (glancing at his parents, then back at Ria) Would you mind joining me for a private conversation? I believe it would be beneficial for us to speak more candidly.
Ria: (nodding) Sure, let's talk.
Taehyung and Ria excused themselves from the table. They walked to a quieter corner of the restaurant, away from the watchful eyes of their parents, ready to discuss the complexities of their situation.
Ria, feeling the need to voice her thoughts, looks at her parents one last time before speaking.
Taking a deep breath, looking at Taehyung , Ria starts talking "Mr. Kim, before you talk further, would you mind if I speak first?"
Taehyung slightly surprised, but nodding and said "Of course, go ahead."
Ria gathered her thoughts and started speaking "Thank you. I understand the importance of this meeting and what our parents want. But I believe it's important for both of us to talk about our own opinions about this."
Taehyung listening intently "I agree. Please, continue."
Ria continued talking " While I respect our families' wishes, I also value honesty and openness. All I want to say is that I don't want to get married just because my parents said so. I want someone who understands me and loves me for who I am."
Ria taking a deep breath, looking directly at Taehyung "So, Mr. Kim, if you are not okay with this, you can back off, and I totally understand that. What I am saying is that you don't have to marry me for business purposes."
As Ria spoke, Taehyung couldn't help but be impressed by the clarity and confidence in her voice. She was direct and clear, expressing her thoughts with a fluent that felt true within him.
Her words revealed a woman who knew exactly what she wanted and what she wouldn't compromise on.
It wasn't just her confidence that impressed him, but also the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind her words.
Taehyung felt a mix of admiration and curiosity. He was used to people approaching him with intentions or because of his charm, but Ria was refreshingly genuine. There was a strength in her that he found captivating, and it stirred something within him-a desire to understand her better and to see what lay beyond the surface.
With a slow nod, Taehyung excused himself from the conversation, feeling a respect for Ria. As he made his way towards the table where their parents sat.
Approaching the table, Taehyung felt a sense of purpose. He looked around at the expectant faces of their parents and then at Ria, who had followed him with a curious expression.
Taking a deep breath, he prepared to speak, determined to express his thoughts as clearly as Ria had.
"Mother , Father, Mr & Mrs Choi " he began, his voice steady.
" Ms. Ria and I have just had an important conversation. She spoke with such honesty and clarity."
He glanced at Ria, a small smile playing on his lips.
Taehyung paused, gathering his thoughts. "I believe that if we're going to consider this seriously, we need to take the time to truly get to know each other."
Looking back at the parents, he finished, "So, I propose that Ms. Ria and I spend some time getting to know each other better, without any pressure or expectations."
There was a moment of silence as everyone took in Taehyung's words. The parents exchanged thoughtful looks, while Ria felt a warmth spread through her chest.
It was clear that Taehyung had not only understood her point but also shared her sentiments.
After their initial meeting at the restaurant with their parents, Taehyung and Ria stood by the entrance, saying their goodbyes.
The evening had been a mix of formalities and heartfelt conversations, and now it was time to part ways.
As their parents exchanged pleasantries, Taehyung and Ria hesitated for a moment, both feeling the weight of the evening's implications.
"Before we go," Taehyung started, reaching into his pocket for his phone,
"I think it would be good if we exchanged numbers. You know, in case we want to... discuss anything further."
Ria smiled, nodding as she pulled out her own phone. "Yes, that sounds like a good idea," she agreed, her voice warm and friendly.
They quickly exchanged contact information, and with a shared smile, they both saved each other's numbers.
"Got it," Taehyung said, glancing at his screen. "I'll be in touch. It was nice meeting you, Ms. Ria."
"Likewise, Mr. Kim" Ria replied, her smile genuine. "Have a good night."
With a final wave, they parted ways, each heading to their respective cars with their families.
YOU ARE READING
Darkness Between Us
Fanfiction"I thought I was content-proud of my achievements. But deep down, there was a void. An emptiness that no amount of success could fill. The loneliness was my only constant companion. My conversations were superficial, my connections fleeting. I was s...
