Connection Of Conformity || KSJ

Chapter 8

At night, Mrs. Kim sat on the couch, her expression tense as she faced her husband. "I can't believe you're going ahead with this collaboration with Ren Myoi. It's reckless, especially after how Hana treated our son ."

Mr. Kim sighed, leaning back in his chair. "But Jin was the one who fell in love with Hana."

"Fell in love? Please," she retorted. "That wasn't love. It was infatuation. I don't trust Hana at all. Jin was younger than her and she took advantage of him. She will definitely try to lure him again."

Mr. Kim rubbed his temples, frustration creeping into his voice. "We can't control who he cares for"

"I just want him to be happy" She said and paused for a moment before continuing "Namjung, what do you think about Areum?" she asked

"Areum?" Mr. Kim raised an eyebrow. "She is a bright girl no doubt, but why are you bringing her up now?"

"Because I think she's perfect for Jin," Mrs. Kim insisted. "She has the qualities we value—someone who will support him and keep him grounded."

Mr. Kim hesitated, "But Areum's father, Mr. Lee, worked under me. His business has just started to take off. They're nowhere close to our family's standards. We should look for someone from a more influential family."

"Influential families?" Mrs. Kim scoffed "Those girls are used to pampering. I want Jin to be with someone who has real qualities, someone like Areum. She has seen her father struggle throughout his life. She will know the value of money and status. I am sure"

Mr. Kim shook his head, but the firmness in his expression softened slightly. "I'm not dismissing Areum, but we need to think practically. We can't let our son settle for someone beneath our standards."

"But what about Jin's happiness?" she said, her voice rising slightly "He needs someone genuine, not just a trophy. Areum could be that person."

Mr. Kim sighed, considering her words. "I understand where you're coming from. Perhaps we should keep an eye on Areum. But we need to make sure we are making choices that align with our family values."

Mrs. Kim felt a flicker of hope. "So you're not completely against the idea?"

Mr. Kim nodded slowly. "Not entirely. I just want to ensure he's on the right path."

—------------------------------------------------

Two days later, Mrs. Kim, Jin, and Jiyeon arrived at Areum's house, carrying a beautifully wrapped dress. The helper greeted them and told them to take a seat while she went to call Mrs. Lee.

Jin sighed, looking at his mother "Why did you bring me here, Eomma?"

Mrs. Kim smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Because you spoiled Areum's dress, and you should thank her for treating your hand that day."

"I already thanked her," Jin protested. "She doesn't need a new dress."

Jiyeon leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "How do you know? Do you secretly talk to her?"

"Why would I talk to her? She probably has many dresses like that" Jin shot back

Just then, Mrs. Lee entered the room with her son, Hyungsik. They exchanged surprised greetings, clearly taken aback by the sudden visit.

"Hello, everyone! What a nice surprise Seunghee!" Mrs. Lee said warmly

Mrs. Kim stepped forward, beaming. "We bought a new dress for Areum. Jin thought it was a little rude to spoil her dress and accept her help without giving her something in return."

Jin shot his mother a look that said, 'When did I say that?' 

Jiyeon giggled, clearly enjoying his embarrassment.

"Oh, that's so thoughtful!" Mrs. Lee exclaimed. "But really, there's no need for this."

Jiyeon jumped in, her voice bright. "Please accept it Mrs Lee! We selected this dress with a lot of effort."

"Speaking of Areum, Where is she?" Mrs. Kim asked, glancing at Hyungsik.

Hyungsik stood up, heading to find Areum, who was busy getting ready to go outside. He relayed the message. "They really seem to like you. Looks like Mrs. Kim wants to make you her daughter-in-law," he teased.

Areum cringed, her cheeks turning pink. "Stop it Oppa!"

Hyungsik chuckled, nudging her. "You should meet them before you leave. They are waiting."

Areum took a deep breath, convincing herself to join them in the living room. Meanwhile, Jin leaned over to his mother. "Eomma, shall we leave now?"

"How can we leave without meeting her, Jin?" Mrs. Kim replied, her tone firm but affectionate.

Finally, Areum entered, bowing slightly. "Annyeonghaseyo, Mrs. Kim."

Mrs. Kim's face lit up. "Oh, Areum you are here! Please sit next to me. You look so pretty today!" She turned to Mrs. Lee. "You are lucky to have a daughter like Areum. I was worried about her dress that day, but she just laughed it off!"

Hyungsik chimed in, "That's just how my sister is. She handles everything calmly."

"That is a wonderful quality. This is the kind of quality that I would want in my daughter in law" Mrs. Kim said, her eyes sparkling.

Areum's eyes widened in shock, while Jin nearly choked on the juice he was drinking. Mrs. Lee and Hyungsik exchanged knowing glances, and Jiyeon couldn't hide her smirk as she looked at Jin.

"Eomma, there! you met her, shall we leave now?" Jin managed to say, his face burning

"Jin, have patience. She just got here" Mrs Kim said

Jiyeon turned to Areum. "Let me show you the dress, Areum unnie. It is really pretty!"

"No, thank you so much, Jiyeon, but I cannot accept this dress," Areum said

"Areum, it's fine," Mrs. Lee insisted, her tone warm and encouraging. "You can accept it. It's a lovely gesture"

Areum looked at her mother in surprise. This was unexpected.

"Areum, Why don't you wear it and show us? I want to see if it fits you well" Mrs. Kim urged, her excitement visible.

"Eomma, she can wear it when she feels like it. You are making it awkward... please," Jin said, clearly uncomfortable

Hyungsik chuckled, nudging Areum "No, no, it's fine. Areum, go try it on!"

As Areum stood, her face flushed, she felt the weight of everyone's eyes on her. Jin looked away, trying to hide his own embarrassment. The air was thick with tension and teasing, making it impossible for either of them to shake off their discomfort.

As Areum slipped away to try on the dress, the rest of the group settled into a light conversation.

 Mrs. Kim smiled at Jin and said, "You really need to loosen up. Look at Hyungsik over there—he is so charming!"

Mrs. Lee nodded in agreement. "Yes, he certainly has a way of making people feel welcome. Hyungsik, why don't you show Seokjin around the house and make him comfortable? I am sure you two can talk."

"Sure thing!" Hyungsik said with a grin. He motioned for Jin to follow him as they strolled through the house.

"So, how was your trip to China?" Jin asked, trying to make conversation.

"It was great! The markets were incredible, and I found some amazing suppliers," Hyungsik replied

"Nice! Sounds like work is going good" Jin said, genuinely impressed

Just then, Hyungsik's phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen. "Hang on, I've got to take this" he said, stepping away to answer the call

As Jin waited, Areum appeared out of nowhere, wearing a stunning pink dress that perfectly enhanced her complexion. Jin's breath caught for a moment, and he couldn't help but stare, secretly in awe of how beautiful she looked.