Heavenly As Hell

Minji's Dilemma

*Interior - Woo-jin's Car - Later That Evening*

The prayer event has finally concluded, and Woo-jin is driving Min-ji home. The atmosphere inside the car is calm, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence between them. Woo-jin glances over at Min-ji, who is still in her vintage outfit but looking much more relaxed now.

**Woo-jin**: (apologetically) "Min-ji, I'm really sorry that the event was so overwhelming for you. I didn't realize it would be this uncomfortable."

Min-ji smiles, appreciating his sincerity.

**Min-ji**: "It's okay, Woo-jin. It's not your fault. I guess I'm just not used to all of this."

Woo-jin nods, his gaze focused on the road as he continues.

**Woo-jin**: "I'll make sure you won't have to attend more events like that in the future. It hurts me to see you uncomfortable. My father is always very strict about these things, but I believe that one can pray anywhere and anytime while being comfortable."

Min-ji looks over, her curiosity piqued.

**Min-ji**: "So, you don't think it has to be so rigid?"

**Woo-jin**: "Not at all. God is always listening to us, regardless of where we are or what we're doing. It's not just about the rules but about how connected we feel to the higher power. Sometimes, I wish my father was more flexible with his ways. It's hard to change him, though."

Min-ji looks thoughtful, nodding as she takes in his words.

**Min-ji**: "I never thought of it that way. It makes sense, though. It's not about the rituals but the intent behind them."

Woo-jin glances at her with a hint of a smile.

**Woo-jin**: "Exactly. It's about the heart and the connection we have, not just the outward practices. My father means well, but his approach can be quite rigid."

Min-ji's smile widens as she looks at Woo-jin, seeing a more personal side of him.

**Min-ji**: "I'm glad you see it that way. It's comforting to know that not everyone is bound by strict rules."

Woo-jin returns her smile, his eyes warm.

**Woo-jin**: "I'm glad you think so. I want you to feel at ease, not just with me but with everything. If that means bending the rules a little, then so be it."

The car pulls up to Min-ji's home, and Woo-jin stops the vehicle, turning to face her with a reassuring expression.

**Woo-jin**: "Thank you for being patient with my family's traditions today. I promise I'll do my best to make things easier for you."

Min-ji nods, touched by his words.

**Min-ji**: "Thank you, Woo-jin. I appreciate it."

As Min-ji gets out of the car, Woo-jin watches her go with a thoughtful look. He truly wants to make her feel comfortable and understood, and his efforts, though sometimes misguided, come from a place of genuine care. Min-ji waves goodbye and heads inside, her heart a little lighter from the unexpected kindness and understanding Woo-jin has shown her.

______________________________________

*Interior - Min-ji's Bedroom - Night*

Min-ji is sprawled out on her bed, still in her vintage dress, exhausted from the day's events. Just as she's about to unwind, her phone rings. It's Jisoo, her ever-curious best friend. Min-ji answers, putting the phone on speaker as she relaxes on the bed.

**Min-ji**: (sighing) "Hey, Jisoo."

**Jisoo**: (immediately) "So, did you finally manage to traumatize the entire Jung family and make Woo-jin call off the wedding?"

Min-ji lets out a groan, covering her face with a pillow for a moment before responding.

**Min-ji**: "You'd think so, right? But no. It's like he's got some sort of divine shield against my sabotage attempts."

**Jisoo**: (laughing) "You're kidding. What happened this time?"

**Min-ji**: (frustrated) "He's just making it really difficult for me to push him away now. He was so concerned when he saw I was in pain during the prayer-he actually massaged my knees, Jisoo. And then, when his dad was about to scold me for leaving the prayer early, Woo-jin lied and said it was his knees that were hurting, not mine."

**Jisoo**: (surprised) "He *lied*? Mr. Holy Bible verses?"

**Min-ji**: "Exactly! He said it's a sin to lie, but he'll confess it later because he did it to protect me. And he got scolded for it too, but all he did was apologize to me afterward and say he'll make sure I don't have to attend more of these events if it's uncomfortable for me."

Jisoo is quiet for a moment, processing this.

**Jisoo**: "Wow. He's really pulling out all the stops, huh?"

**Min-ji**: (exasperated) "He even said that prayer doesn't have to be so rigid and that it can be done anywhere. He's more open-minded than I thought, and it's making this whole thing so much harder."

**Jisoo**: (teasing) "So, are you saying you're starting to fall for Mr. Bible quotes?"

Min-ji rolls her eyes, though there's a slight blush on her cheeks.

**Min-ji**: "No! I'm just saying... he's not as predictable as I thought. It's annoying."

**Jisoo**: (mockingly) "Annoying, or maybe endearing?"

**Min-ji**: "Jisoo, don't start. I'm still trying to get him to call this wedding off, but now he's just... I don't know, being really sweet and considerate. It's confusing."

**Jisoo**: (laughing) "Good luck with that, Min-ji. It sounds like he's not going to give up on you that easily."

**Min-ji**: (sighing) "Yeah, I'm starting to realize that. But I'm not giving up either. There's got to be a way to get him to change his mind."

**Jisoo**: "Well, keep me updated. This is starting to sound like one of those cheesy romance dramas."

**Min-ji**: "Trust me, it feels like one. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

**Jisoo**: "Alright. Goodnight, Min-ji. Don't let Mr. Bible verses keep you up all night thinking about him!"

**Min-ji**: (rolling her eyes) "Goodnight, Jisoo."

As she hangs up, Min-ji stares at the ceiling, her mind spinning with everything that's happened. Woo-jin's kindness and unexpected openness have thrown her off balance, and she's not sure what to make of it. But one thing is for sure-this isn't going to be as easy as she thought.

(To Be Continued)