The Secrets To A Perfect Marriage

11

Jihyo’s POV

“No, that dress is definitely not it!” Nayeon unnie declared, shaking her head with the air of a seasoned fashion designer, her eyes narrowing in disapproval as she assessed my latest attempt at finding the perfect outfit. Her expression was one of firm authority, leaving no room for argument as she vetoed yet another of my choices for the blind date. It was as if she had taken on the role of my personal stylist, determined not to let me out of her sight until every detail was impeccable.

I let out a groan, one of many that had escaped me in the past two hours. Ever since Nayeon unnie and Jeongyeon unnie had declared my makeup satisfactory—a rare accomplishment in itself—I had been caught in an endless cycle of trying on clothes, only to have them swiftly rejected. Each outfit change had become a tiring ritual, and despite the fact that the blind date hadn’t even begun, I was already feeling the fatigue set in. My energy drained with every rejected dress, every shake of Nayeon unnie's head, and every sigh from Jeongyeon unnie as she offered her own critiques.

But complaining wasn’t an option. These two knew far more about fashion than I ever could, and with my nerves already frayed, I wasn’t in any state to make decisions on my own. My hands trembled with anxiety, my mind racing with thoughts of the date, convinced that I was on the verge of making a colossal mistake. The idea of cancelling the whole thing crossed my mind more than once, but then I remembered Nayeon unnie’s firm advice. I had already agreed to this date, and my parents had gone so far as to reserve a table at a ridiculously expensive restaurant.

Sure, I could afford it, but backing out now would be a disaster—not just for me, but for my family’s reputation. The mere thought of disappointing them and breaking my promise sent a chill down my spine. Cancelling wasn’t just about missing the date; it was about the potential humiliation, the shame that would fall on my parents, and the knowledge that I had failed to live up to their expectations.

I scanned the chaotic mess that my closet had become, clothes strewn everywhere like the aftermath of a storm. My eyes settled on a black two-piece suit that had remained untouched until now. It was elegant, sleek, and sophisticated-a timeless piece that, in my eyes, exuded confidence and style. Besides, I hadn't worn it yet, so it felt fresh and perfect for the occasion. Surely, this would be acceptable, right? The suit harmonized perfectly with my makeup, enhancing the polished look I was going for. I slipped into it with renewed determination, bracing myself for the inevitable judgment that awaited me outside my bedroom door.

“Seriously, Jihyo? You picked that?” Nayeon unnie’s voice cut through the air like a sharp blade, her disbelief palpable. Her eyes widened, reflecting the incredulity that colored her tone as she took in my choice of attire.

I furrowed my brows, feeling the exhaustion seeping into my bones, “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing now?”

Nayeon unnie dramatically placed a hand on her forehead, her voice dripping with theatrical flair, “Jeongyeon ah, catch me—I’m about to faint from our clueless girl here."

“You’re exaggerating, woman, it looks...” Jeongyeon unnie began, her gaze appraising me carefully. I looked at her, clinging to a thread of hope, but then she trailed off, finally settling on, “...comfy.”

A sigh of defeat escaped me, “But...?”

Jeongyeon unnie’s smile was apologetic, tinged with a hint of guilt, “But, it’s not what you should wear if you're going on a blind date and want to make a good first impression.”

“See! I’m not wrong!” Nayeon unnie declared triumphantly, a victorious gleam in her eyes.

“But I always wear this for formal meetings with clients,” I protested, a touch of desperation creeping into my voice.