Garden Days

Her

He liked to say he was a man of confidence who was comfortable in all situations but here, he was lacking- fidgeting and a racing heartbeat. Why should he be nervous? He had known about this day for years and that it would eventually come. Perhaps it was because this is their first meeting.
She's in the garden.
After a quick failed search, the young man settled on a lone bench, waiting in case she passed by. Bees buzzed, flying from one dewy flower to the next; loneliness started to settle over him and he scoffed. What a joke this was. Is this how guests were treated at her household? No, he wasn't a guest. It didn't help that he was dropped on the doorstep with not even a "goodbye". His family had taken the money and ran like thieves. Hopes of remembering them in a swell light were quickly dashed. He turned his head up to the blazing sky and shielded his eyes with a hand. How was he a good son to such greedy people?
The breeze blew and broke the spell; it was getting to be too much. The young man stood but was stopped by a woman's voice.
"Hello?" She questioned from outside his peripheral view.
"I was just waiting for someone."
There was a long silence. "Are you...Kim Seok-jin?"
Slowly the addressed man faced her, looking at what was beyond. "Yes." He bowed, catching the shy smile that graced her pink lips.
"I'm Bae Joo-hyun," Joo-hyun gave a small bow. "but you can call me Irene."
Jin nodded and watched her turn around, wondering if he should follow. "What are you doing out here?" He said suddenly as he walked with Irene, keeping his dark eyes on the path.
"I was tending to the garden. It keeps my mind busy." She answered in a soft voice. Jin didn't reply, too lost in his own world. "I don't bite."
"What?" The man's gaze shot up and he stopped breathing. He didn't know what he had expected from her but this wasn't it: smiling eyes, porcelain skin touched by the sun, long strands... He was captivated.

"Wow."
"Excuse me?" Irene questioned, confused by the statement.
"Has anyone ever told you you're beautiful?" Jin elaborated, his confidence coming back.
The latter scratched her blazing cheek with a gloved hand, embarrassed. "I...thank you."
Jin realized he might have overstepped his boundaries. It was only a compliment and had never stopped him before but this was his fiancée and he wanted to make her feel as comfortable as possible. "Ah, I'm sorry!"
Irene laughed it off. "It's okay. It feels...good to be complimented by you." A smile. "Since we're going to be together for a long time, I'm glad to know I can make you happy in at least one way."
The young man grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Don't say that. We could end up just as happy as the next couple." He paused at the sudden tears in her eyes. "And if I'm going to be bold, I would like that very much."
Irene wiped her tears with her free arm, trying not to cry. "I'm sorry. I just- I grew up thinking this marriage would make me as miserable as my parents. I suppose the preconditions of our arrangement didn't make things any better." Jin let her go, confused. He was never told anything of how it led to this.
"What do you mean?"
"You don't know?" Irene's eyes widened in panic. "Let's go inside."
"But-!"
"If you promise not ask, I'll tell you at the end of the week." She swore, raising a pinky. Jin hesitated. "I keep my promises."
They hooked fingers and shook, seriousness on both their faces. "So," He started, breaking and pushing his hair back. "I, uh, haven't met your parents yet."
Irene raised a brow and took off her hat. "Oh? Are you sure you want to meet them looking like that?"
"What's wrong with the way I look?"
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Generally Jin kept himself neat and tidy. It was difficult considering the labor in the field and little time he had during the day. However, today was an occasion he prepped for, even purchasing some decent clothes. "This really isn't suitable? Huh, I might as well have came in wearing-."
Irene covered his mouth, laughing. "It's not that bad but I can already say that my father will not look kindly on you if you show up in a fresh pair of trousers. Oh, don't forget the boots-!"
Jin pushed her hand away, irritated. "Hey! I paid a lot of money for those!" He crossed his arms and looked into the mirror again. "But, maybe you're right."
She didn't answer and instead tossed him a dress shirt and shoes. "Try these." She sat down on the bed and closed her eyes so he could change his top. "I'm sorry." She announced when he was done.
Said man faced her, suddenly concerned. "Why?"
"Because my-" A knock on the door interrupted her.
"Your father requests Mr. Kim's appearance." Came a voice from the other side.
The couple shared a glance before Jin bowed to Irene with an assuring smile and left.
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It's a short chapter but it's my first Jinrene ff. Also, it's hard to find an arranged marriage fic where neither of them are rude and treats the other like crap (just an observation) so I thought I'd write my own ^_^;
*Note, when I write ff, the chapters tend to get less descriptive the farther along the story goes. Hopefully it doesn't happen with this one because I kind of like premise*