Heavenly As Hell

A Holy Conversation

Interior - Seo Residence, Living Room - Evening

Min-ji and Woo-jin sit across from each other in the cozy yet grand living room. Woo-jin's calm presence contrasts sharply with the swirling thoughts in Min-ji's mind. She's trying to make sense of the situation, still in shock from her parents' sudden announcement. Woo-jin's smile is serene, his posture relaxed, as if this arranged marriage is the most natural thing in the world.

**Woo-jin**: (placing the Bible and flowers gently on the table) "I believe that our union is a blessing from God, Min-ji. It's written in Proverbs 18:22, 'He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.'"

Min-ji blinks, trying to comprehend his words. The only "proverbs" she's used to hearing are from self-help books or motivational quotes on Instagram. She forces a smile, but it's clear she's overwhelmed.

**Min-ji**: (nervously) "Uh, yeah... sure. That's... nice."

Woo-jin continues, oblivious to her discomfort.

**Woo-jin**: "I've been praying for a partner who shares my faith and values. I believe in leading a life that is pleasing to God, and I hope to walk that path with you, Min-ji."

Min-ji feels a bead of sweat forming on her forehead. She's completely out of her depth. Church for her is a place to go when there's a wedding or a funeral-definitely not something she thinks about every day. She tries to find something to say that won't make her sound completely clueless.

**Min-ji**: (awkwardly) "That sounds... very dedicated of you. I, uh, don't go to church that often. Only, you know, when it's really necessary."

Woo-jin nods, smiling as if he doesn't find this surprising.

**Woo-jin**: "That's okay. Faith is a journey, and I'm here to guide you. We can attend Mass together, and I can help you deepen your relationship with God."

Min-ji's eyes widen in disbelief. She wasn't expecting her future husband to turn into a spiritual guide. The whole idea of "deepening her relationship with God" is foreign to her. She's more into deepening her knowledge of fashion trends, not theology.

**Min-ji**: (inwardly panicking) "Oh... uh, great! But, um, isn't that what priests do? You seem really passionate about all this... religion stuff. Why didn't you, you know, become a priest or something?"

Woo-jin chuckles softly, clearly finding her question endearing rather than strange.

**Woo-jin**: "I did consider it at one point. But I believe God has other plans for me, including building a family grounded in faith. Besides, as it says in 1 Corinthians 7:7, 'Each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.' My gift, I believe, is to lead a family in Christ."

Min-ji's mind races. She barely even remembers the Bible passages she learned as a child, let alone entire verses like Woo-jin does. She can't believe how different their worlds are. This man seems like he's stepped straight out of a religious text, and she's suddenly realizing just how far apart their lives have been.

**Min-ji**: (nervously laughing) "Wow, you really know your Bible... That's impressive."

**Woo-jin**: (earnestly) "It's the foundation of my life. I hope to share that foundation with you, Min-ji. I'm sure, with time, you'll come to appreciate it as much as I do."

Min-ji's forced smile falters. She feels like she's in a strange dream where everyone speaks a language she barely understands. Her parents' excitement, Woo-jin's calm certainty, and the looming reality of this arranged marriage are starting to feel suffocating.

**Min-ji**: (thoughts racing) *What am I getting myself into?*

As Woo-jin continues to talk about the importance of attending Mass regularly and how they should begin their relationship with prayer, Min-ji can't help but wonder if she's been matched with a priest in disguise. She glances at her parents, who are beaming with pride, and then back at Woo-jin, who is discussing the benefits of daily devotions.

**Min-ji**: (internally) *How am I supposed to relate to this guy?*

Min-ji's thoughts drift to the modern, carefree life she's used to, full of spontaneity and independence. The idea of replacing her weekend brunches with church services sends a chill down her spine.

**Min-ji**: (forcing herself to stay composed) "Well, Woo-jin, it looks like I've got a lot to learn."

Woo-jin smiles warmly, completely missing the hint of dread in her voice.

**Woo-jin**: "Don't worry, Min-ji. We'll walk this path together. 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.' We'll have everything we need in Him."

Min-ji smiles weakly, wondering how she's going to survive this holy rollercoaster.

**Min-ji**: (internally) *This is going to be a long journey...*

(To be Continued)