Arrange Marriage

CHAP 19

The Kim family arrived like a whirlwind, their concerned voices filling the hall as they rushed through the doors. Wonwoo stood silently near the staircase, arms crossed, watching as Mingyu greeted his parents and older sister with the same warm smile he always wore. It didn’t take long before the worry on their faces twisted into something sharper.

“Mingyu,” his mother started, her voice filled with exasperation, “how could you let this happen? You should have been more careful!”

“Yes, do you know how terrified we were when we heard?” his father chimed in, his tone carrying an edge of frustration. “What were you even thinking, putting yourself in such danger?”

“You’ve always been reckless,” his sister added, shaking her head. “When will you start taking better care of yourself?”

Mingyu held up his hands, the smile never leaving his face despite the tension in the room. “I’m fine, really. It’s not that bad. And I wasn’t trying to—”

“Not that bad?” his mother interrupted, her voice rising. “You were kidnapped, Mingyu! You could have been killed! Do you have any idea how irresponsible—”

“That’s enough.”

Wonwoo’s voice cut through the room like a blade, cold and authoritative. The Kim family froze, turning to look at him, surprised at the interruption.

Wonwoo stepped forward, his dark eyes blazing with barely contained fury. “I understand you’re worried, but blaming Mingyu for what happened is unacceptable. He’s the victim here, and the last thing he needs is to be scolded for something he had no control over.”

Mingyu turned to him, his eyes widening slightly. “Wonwoo, it’s okay. They’re just—”

“It’s not okay,” Wonwoo snapped, his gaze softening only slightly as it flicked to Mingyu before hardening again. “You’ve been through enough. You don’t need to stand here and apologize for something that isn’t your fault.”

“Mingyu’s my husband,” Wonwoo continued, his voice steady but seething with intensity. “And I won’t stand by while anyone—family or not—makes him feel like this is on him.”

The Kims looked taken aback, their expressions shifting from anger to awkward guilt. Mingyu’s mother opened her mouth to speak, but Wonwoo wasn’t finished.

“You should be asking him how he’s feeling, what he needs, or how you can support him,” Wonwoo said, his voice low and firm. “Not tearing him down when he’s already dealing with enough.”

Silence fell over the room, and for a moment, no one spoke. Mingyu’s smile had faltered slightly, replaced by an expression of quiet shock. It was rare for anyone to defend him like this, especially in front of his family. The warmth spreading through his chest was unexpected but comforting.

Finally, his mother sighed, her shoulders slumping. “You’re right. I’m sorry, Mingyu. We didn’t mean to come across as harsh. We were just… scared.”

His father nodded reluctantly. “We only wanted to make sure you understood how serious this is.”

“I get it,” Mingyu said softly, his voice calm but tired. “I really do. But I’m okay now, and I just need you to trust that I’ll be more careful.”

Wonwoo stepped closer to Mingyu, placing a protective hand on his shoulder. “He doesn’t need to promise you anything. I’ll make sure nothing like this happens again. That’s my job.”

The sincerity in Wonwoo’s tone silenced any further protests, and the Kims exchanged hesitant glances before nodding.

As the tension in the room began to dissipate, Mingyu turned to Wonwoo, his smile returning, this time softer, more genuine. “Thanks,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Wonwoo squeezed his shoulder, his gaze softening as he looked down at him. “Always.”

The rest of the visit was noticeably calmer, the Kims shifting their attention to fussing over Mingyu’s recovery instead of criticizing him. But even as they left, Wonwoo couldn’t shake the earlier scene from his mind.

That night, as he helped Mingyu settle into bed, he paused, brushing a hand over his husband’s cheek. “You don’t ever have to smile through something like that again. Not with me around.”

Mingyu blinked, his expression softening. “You don’t have to protect me like that, you know.”

Wonwoo leaned closer, his voice low and serious. “I do. Because I love you, and no one gets to hurt you—not even your family.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, Mingyu let his walls drop completely, allowing himself to be vulnerable. And as Wonwoo pulled him into a gentle embrace, Mingyu realized he didn’t have to carry everything alone anymore—not with Wonwoo by his side.