Tae-pyung was at Eon-jin's house, sitting at the dining table as Ji-ah served a delicious homemade lunch. The warm aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. Ji-ah's motherly smile was unwavering as she observed him.
"It's good to see you've gained some weight, Tae-pyung. Your posture looks stronger, and you seem more confident now," Ji-ah said warmly, setting down a bowl of soup.
Tae-pyung chuckled nervously, touching his arm as if checking the improvement Ji-ah had pointed out. "Thank you, eomonim. I've been trying to take better care of myself."
"Eomma, you're making him self-conscious," Eon-jin teased with a playful smirk, nudging Tae-pyung lightly.
Ji-ah simply laughed and shook her head, her eyes full of affection for the couple. "I'm just so happy to see you two together again. It feels like old times, doesn't it?"
Tae-pyung nodded, his expression serious but kind. "I can't promise anything, eomonim, but I'll do everything I can to make this relationship work—for us and for Eon-jin."
Ji-ah's face softened, clearly moved by his sincerity. "That's all I could ever ask for. Thank you, Tae-pyung."
As they enjoyed the meal, the door opened suddenly, and Hyo-jin stepped in, her voice ringing through the house. "Eon-jin! You didn't tell me you had a guest."
Tae-pyung stood politely to greet her, but the moment Hyo-jin's eyes landed on him, she froze mid-step. Her jaw dropped as realization hit her.
"Wait... You're the... You're... Oh my gosh! You're him!" she stammered, her finger pointing as she struggled to piece together her sentence.
Eon-jin and Ji-ah couldn't help but laugh at her over-the-top reaction. "Yes, Hyo-jin, you're absolutely right. He's Tae-pyung." Eon-jin said.
"DAEBAK!" Hyo-jin practically shouted, her face lighting up with excitement as she rushed closer to get a better look. "This is unbelievable! You're the Tae-pyung she's been talking about for years!"
"YAH! Hyo-jin!" Eon-jin said, blushing as she tried to downplay her cousin's enthusiasm.
Ignoring her, Hyo-jin turned to Tae-pyung with wide eyes. "I can't believe it. I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity! You're basically a legend in this house."
Tae-pyung chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "I'm not sure about being a legend, but I'm glad to meet you too."
Hyo-jin clapped her hands together dramatically. "This calls for a celebration! Eon-jin, why didn't you tell me earlier? I would've prepared something special!"
Ji-ah laughed at her niece's antics, shaking her head. "Sit down and eat first, Hyo-jin. Let's not scare him away with all your excitement."
After they finished eating, Hyo-jin couldn't hold back her curiosity anymore and immediately started bombarding the two with questions. Tae-pyung, ever polite, answered each question with a smile, trying his best to keep the mood light and comfortable. Eon-jin, though, felt a bit shy about the attention, but she also appreciated Hyo-jin's playful nature.
"So, basically, are you guys back together again?" Hyo-jin asked carefully, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Both Eon-jin and Tae-pyung exchanged a quick glance, then nodded together, their faces lighting up with smiles.
"Aigoo, love birds! Why didn't I bring In-sung here? I feel so left out!" Hyo-jin exclaimed, wrapping her arms around herself as though she were heartbroken. "You two are just too cute! I swear, I need to find someone who'll make me feel like that."
Eon-jin laughed softly, rolling her eyes at Hyo-jin's antics. Tae-pyung, too, smiled at her enthusiasm, feeling a warmth spread through him at how easily the two of them got along. It felt comforting to be in such a cozy environment, surrounded by people who cared.
