In Your Perspective || Jo In-Sung x Han Hyo-Joo

XII

In-Sung's POV

As the University festival approached, I couldn't help but notice that Hyo-Joo had been acting rather mysterious lately. 

I suggested a meticulously planned holiday date, hoping to spend quality time with Hyo-Joo. However, she surprised me by turning down the idea, leaving me perplexed.

"Hyo-Joo, how about we go on a holiday together?" I suggested with excitement.

She paused for a moment, her expression hesitant. "In-Sung, that sounds wonderful, but I actually have other plans for that time."

I furrowed my brows, trying to hide my disappointment. "Other plans? Is there something specific you'll be doing?"

Hyo-Joo hesitated for a moment, seemingly searching for an explanation. "It's just some gathering that I can't miss."

 I couldn't shake the feeling that something might be amiss and that she might be losing interest in me.

During the video call with my parents, we exchanged greetings, and everything seemed normal. However, my dad dropped a bombshell, mentioning that he had heard I had a girlfriend. Panic surged through me as I glanced at Hyo-Joo, who wore a displeased expression.

I couldn't bring myself to admit our relationship to my parents at that moment. The idea of confessing to them filled me with anxiety because I knew they would immediately start pressuring us to get married, something we both weren't ready for. So, I decided to play it cool and deny the relationship for now.

My dad chuckled, "Is it true, In-Sung? Do you have a girlfriend?"

I forced a nervous laugh and replied, "Oh, Dad, you know how rumors can be exaggerated. There's no girlfriend, just friends."

My mom joined in with a teasing smile, "Well, you should introduce us to this 'friend' someday, In-Sung."

I nodded, still feeling the weight of my decision, and said, "Of course, Mom. When the time is right, I promise."

As the conversation continued, I couldn't help but feel torn between my desire to be honest with my parents and my fear of the immediate pressure it would bring to our relationship.

Hyo-Joo's POV

I had been keeping a secret lately, and it had made me act mysteriously around In-Sung and even with our other friends. The truth was, I was helping Ji-Sub plan a confession to Cho Un-Jeong, and we had decided to keep it under wraps for now.

In-Sung and I walked side by side, the air heavy with unspoken tension. His usual cheerful demeanor had been replaced by a quiet sadness that I couldn't quite understand. Determined to break through the silence, I reached for his hand, intertwining our fingers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"In-Sung, what's bothering you?" I asked, my voice soft and filled with concern.

He didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the ground as he continued to walk. Then, in a voice heavy with emotion, he finally spoke. "What did I do wrong?"

His sudden tears took me by surprise, and I stopped in my tracks, turning to face him. "In-Sung, why are you crying?" I questioned, my worry growing.