Love Under Pretenses | Winrina

30.

It was already evening by the time Giselle and I finished shopping. I didn’t know why she suddenly wanted to go out, especially since it was my day off. She just said she thought I needed a break, to clear my mind from everything that’s been going on lately.

Speaking of everything that’s been happening, when I got home, I immediately saw my parents in the living room, sitting on the couch.

Their eyes were swollen, and they looked distant, as if lost in thought. I was confused about what was going on, so I cleared my throat to get their attention.

I didn’t really want to talk to them yet. I was still upset, but they’re still my parents, and despite everything, I still care about them.

They were both surprised but happy to see me. Were they waiting for me to come home?

"J-Jimin!" Before I could even react, my Dad ran toward me and pulled me into a tight hug, tears streaming down his face.

I was completely confused, my eyes shifting to my Mom for some kind of explanation, but she only smiled at us, her own eyes filled with tears.

"I'm so sorry, Jimin, my lovely daughter," Dad cried, his voice breaking. "I’m sorry for all those years I didn’t treat you like my daughter. I was blinded by money, and I didn’t even notice all the efforts you made just to make me happy. I love you so much, Jimin, my princess. I know it’s hard, and you probably can’t forgive me just yet, but I want you to know that I regret everything—every year I wasn’t there for you as your father. I’ve missed you so much... my baby."

His sobs echoed through the room, and it felt like time stood still for a moment.

I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. I hugged him just as tightly, feeling a rush of emotions I had buried for years.

I missed this feeling.

I missed hugging Dad.

"D-Dad, I’ve been waiting for this for so long... for you to realize everything. I can’t believe this is happening right now. I missed you so much, Dad. I love you so much, too," I sobbed into his chest, and we continued to hug each other tightly. Then Mom joined us, wrapping her arms around us both.

The three of us stood there, holding each other, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt like a little kid again, safe in their embrace.

"Don’t worry, Jimin," Dad whispered. "From now on, I won’t pressure you about anything. I won’t stand in the way of what you want for your life anymore because I don’t want to take away the freedom and happiness you deserve. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that."

I just shook my head, telling him it was okay. Because this moment—this one right here—was all I had been waiting for, all these years.

Then, suddenly, my phone buzzed, pulling us all out of the moment. I quickly grabbed it from my handbag.

Minjeongiie my puppy🐶
-Aren’t you tired yet? Can you come join me tonight, please?

I furrowed my brows, confused by Minjeong’s message, and looked up at my parents, who were now smiling.

“Is that Minjeong?” my Dad asked, making my eyes widen.

“What?”

“Is she asking you out right now? You should go meet her.”

Wait... What? Is Dad okay with Minjeong now?

“Hold on, Dad… I don’t get it. You’re okay with Minjeong?”

Instead of answering, he just smiled at me and kissed my forehead.

“She’s probably been waiting for you. You should go.”