Enchanted (Bbangsaz)

28

Hanni's heart raced as she stood frozen in the doorway, watching her parents step inside, surprise lighting up their faces. She hadn't expected them to show up, not like this, and especially not while Minji was over.

"What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, stepping aside to let them in.

Her dad couldn't keep the eye contact with her. "We wanted to surprise you. It seems like we've surprised each other. We just landed in Seoul."

"We missed you so much!" her mom added, wrapping Hanni in a warm embrace.

Hanni laughed, returning the hug. "I missed you too! But a heads-up would've been nice!"

As her parents moved further into the room, her dad's gaze fell on Minji, who was standing just behind Hanni, her posture respectful yet a little tense, her cheeks slightly flushed. Hanni's dad raised an eyebrow, taking Minji in with a careful look.

"And you must be Minji," he said, his tone shifting slightly, becoming more measured. "Hanni's... girlfriend, am I right?"

Hanni's heart sank, her cheeks heating up. This was the last thing she wanted, especially in front of Minji. "Dad, please, don't start—"

"Hanni," he cut her off, his voice steady but firm. "I'm your father. I have a right to know who's serious about my daughter, especially since your lives are... well, public. I just want to understand how committed your girlfriend is to this relationship, and to you."

Hanni shot him a pleading look, a small wave of frustration and embarrassment washing over her, but before she could protest further, Minji reached over and gently took her hand, giving it a soft squeeze. Her touch was warm and calming, like she was assuring Hanni it would be alright.

"It's okay, Hanni," Minji said softly, her voice steady as she met her dad's gaze. Then she turned fully to him, her posture composed, eyes unwavering. "I understand your concern, sir. And I know Hanni is incredibly important to you. It's only right for you to want to know more about us."

Her dad crossed his arms, his expression both assessing and stern. "Well, I hope you don't take this lightly. It's not easy dating someone like my daughter, especially with the lives you both lead. Careers like yours are hard to balance with a relationship, and I need to know how serious you are about making this work. Are you willing to put in that effort?"

Minji nodded, a gentle determination in her gaze. "I completely understand. Hanni's career is demanding, and so is mine. It's not going to be easy, but Hanni isn't just anyone to me, sir. She's the person I want by my side, no matter how challenging things get. I know it's a commitment, and I'm ready for it. Being with her is worth everything."

Hanni's dad took a step closer, scrutinizing her with a keen eye. "Words are easy to say. But will you still feel that way when things get rough? When your schedules clash, or if your relationship is all over the media? I've seen what the spotlight can do. It's not for the faint-hearted."

Minji held his gaze, calm and sincere. "I'm not here because it's easy, sir. I'm here because I can't imagine my life without Hanni in it. I know there will be moments that test us, but she's worth every challenge that comes our way. I'll stand by her through it all, no matter what anyone says or how the spotlight shifts."

Her dad's expression remained thoughtful, yet unyielding, as if he was digging deeper. "You're both young. It's easy to get swept up in the moment and make promises. But being with someone like Hanni isn't just about romance; it's a lifelong commitment, and it won't always be glamorous. So tell me, what are your real intentions with her?"

Minji's expression softened as she glanced over at Hanni, and Hanni felt her heart squeeze with emotion. Minji's eyes were warm, filled with a depth of feeling that was unmistakable.