Love Next Door

23

The Realization

The room went silent after Yeji's sudden declaration. Her bold announcement hung in the air, filling every corner of the room with a sense of disbelief and anticipation. Yeji stood there, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on her, and then let out a nervous laugh, hoping someone anyone would say something to break the awkwardness.

Her dad was the first to react. "Yeji... are you serious ?" he asked, the surprise clear in his tone, mixed with a hint of concern.

Before Yeji could answer, her mom chimed in, her voice firmer. "No," she said immediately, the finality of her tone striking a nerve. "We both know how hard this life is, Yeji. You've seen the struggles. This isn't what we wanted for you."

Yeji's heart sank, though she understood where they were coming from. Her parents, both chefs themselves, had faced their own battles with the unpredictability of the restaurant business. She knew they only wanted stability and success for her, something their own careers hadn't always brought. But for Yeji, cooking wasn't just a profession—it was a passion, a calling that made her feel alive.

"I understand why you're worried," Yeji began, her voice trembling slightly, "but I'm not asking for permission. I'm telling you what I love. And I'm going to pursue it, whether you approve or not."

Her parents exchanged looks, bracing themselves for a response when, unexpectedly, Ryujin stood up from the couch. All eyes turned to her as she took a steadying breath and faced Yeji's parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Hwang," Ryujin began, her voice calm but resolute. "I have so much admiration for both of you. I've known you my whole life, and I know what you sacrificed to pursue this career. But Yeji... she's driven by the same love for cooking that you have. I think that's something you should be proud of."

She glanced at Yeji, her gaze softening. "Your daughter deserves the chance to do what makes her happy. And I think you'd want her to be happy, too."

Yeji looked at Ryujin, stars in her eyes, unable to hide the depth of gratitude and awe she felt in that moment. Ryujin had always been there for her, but tonight, something about the way she stood up for her felt different. It was as though a new layer of their bond had surfaced, making Yeji's heart race with something she couldn't quite name.

But the moment was quickly interrupted. Behind them, in the shadows of the doorway, stood Daniel, observing the scene. His eyes lingered on Yeji's expression as she looked at Ryujin, watching the silent exchange between them. Without a word, he turned and slipped quietly out of the house, unnoticed by everyone except Yeji's parents.

-

The following morning, sunlight streamed through Ryujin's window, warming her face as she finished lacing her running shoes. With the whirlwind of emotions and thoughts clouding her mind, she felt the need to clear her head. Pulling on a black shirt and gray sweatpants, she headed outside, ready for her run. As she stepped onto her porch, about to put in her headphones, a voice called out to her.

"Ryujin !"

Turning, she saw Yeji, who was standing on her own porch, dressed in a sport outfit and grinning widely. Ryujin raised an eyebrow, half-surprised, half-amused.

"What, you're actually wearing a sport outfit?" Ryujin smirked, leaning against her porch railing with her arms crossed. "Did hell freeze over ?"

Yeji scoffed, rolling her eyes, but her smile only grew. "Don't act so surprised ! I can work out if I want to."

"Oh, really ?" Ryujin replied with a smirk. "Or are you just stalking me ?"