On Thin Air

Leaf in a Pod

"What are you doing up here?" she snapped. Also anxious if he'd seen her vulnerable state.

"They want you down for lunch," he emotionlessly said.

Biting down on her teeth, Namjoo stepped out closing the door behind her. Again, without waiting for him she went down the stairs.

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Of course, they sat across from each other at the dining table. It was an obvious given. Hea sat beside Namjoo with her mother on the other side. Lunch started on a rather silent note. With forks and spoons clinking against precious ceramic dishes. The men murmured something about business or a golf course meeting. Namjoo rarely looked up from her plate of food. The women beside her were snickering about dress fitting.

Sehun met Hea three times. The first was when he was called to dinner with his father. Surprise, you are getting engaged he was told. To Kim Bonhwa's younger daughter. She's a marvelous lady, very pretty, you'll be satisfied his father promised. Hea was a 9 years younger than him, which not only made him feel like a creep but an adult staring down a child. Even if she was a good 22 years old, it was weird for Sehun all around.

Sure, the young thing was femininely pretty. Carried herself with pride and dignity. Whenever Sehun saw her she was still a child regardless. Nine years the difference screamed.

"Look, son, I'm sorry, but plans have changed." His father apologized one day.

Hea had withdrawn her part to the engagement. Good, Sehun thought. He didn't have to bring it up to the old man first.

"You'll be marrying the older daughter."

The thing with his father was that he wanted an heir. Someone in the family who could inherit what the previous family left behind. The effort, the backbreaking money had to stay in the family out of greed's hands. It was important. Sangki had failed his duty, so it was on him. Everything was on him.

The good son who would not disappoint his ailing mother and working father.

"Do it for your mom, let her see you live your life fully before she goes," his father always patted his back.

Do it for your mom.

Do it for your mom.

Sehun hadn't gone to see the woman in over three weeks. Each time he went he just sat beside the hospital bed listening to the hospital monitors speak to him. While his mother slept the day away, unresponsive and uncaring.

If it weren't for his mother, he wouldn't have to bow to his father. His father wouldn't have to use the lame excuse to weaken his resolve each time. That you are my son, you must do this for your mother. In literal words: this is how you will love her by marrying my best friend's daughter.

"What?" Sehun perked up when he heard his name.

His father glanced at him, repeating, "I said, you'll go meet with the wedding planner after this."

"Take Namjoo with you," her father added.

"I have a car," Namjoo interrupted.

"Carpooling is in these days, don't you know Namjoo?" Hea piped up. "Save the earth and go on a romantic drive, why don't you?" Looking at Sehun she giggled, "Namjoo doesn't know how to be romantic. There's no sweet bone in her body."

"Shh!" her mother pinched her arm.

"Mom!" Her daughter whined.

"Yes, go on a drive. As a couple you should be spending more time together," Jiyoo urged then cut Namjoo a glass-like stare, "and not sneak out at odd hours to do who knows what."