Stars Align

Into The Unknown

Soo Hyun wrapped up his work, handing the monthly report to Jung Se, he took the coat off his hanger and wore it, buttoning it up and rushing down to pick up his mother. Today was their usual mother-son date night.

He was so preoccupied with work the past week, he did not have time to visit his mother nor meet her, so he wanted to make up to her during this date. His mother had been hinting she had something important to tell him and for him to consider. She made him promise to have an open mind about it. Unsure about what she had up her sleeve, he was relieved it was Friday and he could finally meet his mother.

He bought some health supplements for her, more than flowers and jewelry his mother is very aware of her health so she appreciates and seeks out healthy food options and supplements. He slowed down as he approached his mother’s office, she was already standing at the taxi stand waiting for him. He drove to the stand and lowered the window of the car and called her out, smiling.

She greeted him excitedly as he opened the door for her, gently closing it and running to his side of the car and driving off. His mother was smiling, a meaningful smile that indicated she either had good news or something major was going to happen.

“Omma why are you so happy?” Soo Hyun asked, smiling at her.

“I’m really happy to finally spend some time with you, my son. It was such a long week, you look thinner, have you been eating proper meals?” His mother fussed about his meals and such as they got closer to the restaurant he reserved for them.

Dinner was rather odd, his mother kept bringing up topics of marriage and how his cousins and children of her friends are happily married and how they met their spouse. He had a hunch she was trying to probe and ask about his marriage plans but she took him by surprise when she started describing and explaining the basis and success rates of arranged marriages.

“Omma I understand all that but what do you really want to tell me?” Soo Hyun gently said, he could see his mother was being cautious and she was nervous to bring up whatever she wanted to.

“Soo Hyun-ah, you know your Mum wants the best for you and always has your best interest at heart right?” His mother asked him earnestly.

“Of course Omma, without a doubt.” Soo Hyun reassured her.

“You’re in your 30s and you have a stable career, I think it’s time for you to think about marriage Soo Hyun. I know we did not have the best example growing up but I know you’re much more mature and understanding than anyone else.” His mother finally broke it to him.

Soo Hyun nodded his head, agreeing with her. He wanted to get married but he rarely had time to date and he always believed that the universe will help him out and he’ll meet someone he’s supposed to marry by chance as he’s going along in life. It’s been a few years and he has not dated anyone, he poured himself into work and that has been his norm for the past few years.

“Your uncle and cousin went through arranged marriages and sure every couple has problems but they adjusted well and are extremely happy. I want that for you Soo Hyun. At this age, it’ll be easier for you and your spouse to adjust and understand each other.” His mother continued.

Soo Hyun was shocked she proposed arranged marriage, it was rare within his family but he never considered nor did he fathom that it will be something he will have to consider in his future but here he was being proposed to an arranged marriage by his mother.