Liar//MYG✔️

Chapter 34//When You're Ready

"Hyung, where is this coming from?" Yoongi's voice was strangled and rough, a direct consequence of his surprise at Geum Jae's sudden confrontation.

"We both know that you love her, Yoongi. Eventually, you'll have to stop dragging your feet and admit that you want to spend your life with her. The longer you're a bachelor, the harder it becomes to find someone. Trust me," Guem Jae didn't shy away from his brother's question, answering it plaintively. He kept his eyes trained on Yoongi's. "Don't let her get away." For a moment, Yoongi was quiet, debating on what he could reveal about his and JInae's relationship. Then, with a shallow breath, he decided to face his brother's challenge head-on.

"You're right, hyung, I do love Jinae. You're also right when you say that I've had problems committing to a relationship above friendship with her. However, that's in the past. It's me who is waiting on Jinae now, not the other way around. As soon as she's ready, I intend to marry her, Geum Jae hyung." Yoongi folded his hands on the table after setting his beer down, all seriousness now. Geum Jae and Sophie just stared back at their companion in silence. "I told her I loved her at Christmas." As this was news to both Geum Jae and Sophie, both wore looks of surprise. Sophie gasped quietly and her hand flew to cover her mouth, but Yoongi remained passive.

In a moment though, Geum Jae had broken out into a wide smile and his eyes crinkled into crescent moons. Sophie's face split into a grin as well and her eyes widened.

"What did she say, Yoongi?"

"She said she felt the same way," Yoongi grinned as well now, allowing his companions to exclaim their joy in their own ways. Sophie gasped yet again and clapped him on the back in congratulations. Geum Jae took a swig of his beer and faux toasted his brother, infusing each move with drama. After they'd settled down a bit, Yoongi continued. "There are some things she wants to work through with her parents before we pursue a romantic relationship. So, I'm giving her a bit of space. I know eventually, she'll be ready. And until she is, I'll be waiting." HIs companions nodded as he spoke, satisfied with his answers.

"You've grown up a lot, Yoongi. When we were younger, I used to constantly worry about you. I didn't think you'd ever admit and own your feelings for Jinae. Clearly, you have now. I wish you both the best, little brother," Geum Jae responded, a smile still plastered on his face.

"I think you'll find happiness together soon, Yoongi. After all, you both truly deserve it," Sophie added. Her smile was reassuring, and Yoongi was reminded again of a close sister by her demeanor.

"Thank you both, it means a lot to me," Yoongi gave them a grateful, gummy smile and they responded by shaking their heads at his thanks and ordering a toast.

They passed the rest of the night in comfortable companionship, drinking and eating just a little too much. However, Sophie kept her wits about her and ensured the brothers got back to Yoongi's apartment safely before going alone to her own.

******

Jinae cradled the cell phone in her cold hands. She could feel the tension of anxiety building in her neck and shoulders as she stood in her apartment, building up her courage. She'd decided that it was time to meet with her parents to read the letters.

It was always difficult to meet with her parents separately because of their busy schedules. Meeting together, well, she knew that would be even more difficult. Her father was a professor at a university while her mother ran a small candle shop. Both were constantly busy with the careers they loved, and ultimately the lives they lived. Both of her parents had partners to whom they were faithful and spent a lot of time with. Each had their own social circles and events. Many times Jinae felt like an asteroid out of their orbit, threatening their meticulously formed habits and schedules. Then again, she had learned to be that meticulous herself.