Michaeng (Short Stories) Vol. 2

IIY 14 (Finale)

Over the next few days, Mr. Myoui's suspicions only increased as his guards continued to report on Mina's activities, and Mina's family became more watchful, pressuring her to spend more time with Nam-Joo Hyuk.

"Mina, I knew that you don't want this to happen, but this is the only way for your family to survive the business, so please accept me" Joo-Hyuk said.

"You don't tell me what to do" Mina scoffed and she stood from her seat, she tried  to convince Joo-Hyuk to cancel the wedding but the latter didn't agree. "I guess I am done here, and no matter what happens I am not marrying you" Mina stated.

Mina's heart felt heavy, the possibility of losing Chaeyoung was taking the toll on her shoulder.

Mina slipped away to Chaeyoung's dorm, exhausted and emotionally drained. She fell into Chaeyoung's arms, feeling safe for the first time all day.

"I missed you" she buried her face at the crook of Chaeyoung neck,

"and I miss you too" Chaeyoung said softly as she wrapped her arms around Mina's body. "I am here, Mina and whatever happens, we face it together" Chaeyoung reassured her.

They sat in a comfortable silence, while they cuddle and watch Mina's favorite movie Harry Potter. But as dawn broke, a harsh knock at the door shattered their peace. Chaeyoung opened it, her heart pounding, only to find one of Mr. Myoui's guards standing there.

"Miss Myoui, your father has requested your presence immediately," the guard said.

Mina looked at Chaeyoung, her face filled with panic, but Chaeyoung held her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "It's okay, I'll be here" she whispered."

Mina nodded, her heart breaking as she left, uncertain of what her father would say or how much he knew.

When Mina arrived home, Mr. Myoui was waiting and his expression were grave. He looked at her in silence for a long moment before finally speaking. "Mina, you don't think I won't know, you don't want to marry Mr. Nam because of this foolishness of yours! a relationship with a woman! are you going crazy?!"

Mina's heart pounded, and she felt her whole world shift. But she squared her shoulders, preparing herself to defend her love for Chaeyoung, knowing this might be the moment she'd feared and hoped for all at once.

"I am not crazy! I love her Father!"

"Love?! do you even hear yourself Mina?!"

"Yes, and I won't leave her! if that's what you want"

"Break up with that woman or you'll suffer the consequences"

"Father please! I'll do anything you want but not that, please"

Mina's heart was shattered, torn between the love she'd found with Chaeyoung and the loyalty she felt toward her family. She could hardly bear to think of what her father's wrath might mean for both her and Chaeyoung. And yet, she couldn't let Chaeyoung suffer because of her family's expectations.

"You know me, Mina and that is final!"

🎵Play Music: Backburner by Niki🎵
(a perfect angst song)

The next day, Mina met with Chaeyoung at their usual park. As they sat together by the river, Mina tried to keep her composure, but tears filled her eyes. Chaeyoung immediately sensed something was wrong.

"Mina, what's going on?" Chaeyoung asked, her voice filled with worry.

Mina took a shaky breath, unable to meet Chaeyoung's gaze. "Chaeyoung... I-I can't do this anymore," she whispered, her voice barely holding together. "My father knows about us. He... he gave me no choice."