(Sixtieth chapter)
The silence was too loud to listen.
“Marriage?”
Sowon looked at the scene in front of her, where Namjoon was standing in front of them, glaring at his mother with such an intense gaze while Mrs Kim merely smiles before shaking her head.
“But before we get into that, there must be something to be done.”
“And that is?” Mrs Han asks, narrowing her eyes.
Mrs Kim smiled at her son then at everyone else before setting her sight on Sowon who was still seated in her place, watching the family drama unfold. But when their eyes met, Sowon froze.
“Dearest,” Mrs Kim walks in her direction and before she could react, Sowon's hands were being held by Namjoon's mother. “Forgive me, I did not know that I was talking with my future daughter-in-law instead of a maid.”
Sowon felt chills and when her eyes drifted around, she noticed Namjoon shooting daggers at his mother's hands which were holding her's tight. What is he thinking? She wanted to ask, his thoughts and the reason why he was suddenly being so cold.
“It's okay. . .”
Sowon awkwardly nodded and pulled her hands onto her lap safely. Mrs Kim smiled gratefully before taking a seat next to Mrs Han and Sowon could swear she saw her mother swallow in clear distress.
“Honestly I thought you will be having maids around and live in a big mansion so this misunderstanding happened.”
“Well,” Mr Han laughed forcefully. “Not everyone is successful as you.”
Mrs Kim eyes practically glaze over Sowon's father.
“I agree but that doesn't mean I look down on your family. I still respect you as much as I did, back then.”
Back then? Sowon tried to process the new information, confirming her theory that her parents and Mrs Kim knew each other for a long time.
Someone cleared their throat and everyone looked at Mrs Han whose face was getting red and her expression was no less than an incoming signal of rage and frustration. Sowon knew the expression very well.
It was the same expression her mother rarely had when she would get stressed and cry the whole night. Sowon witnessed it in her childhood but never understood why and forgot her mother used to be so depressed back then because now she was quite changed.
“Mom?”
Mrs Han looked at her and took a deep breath. Sowon grabbed her mother's hand, suddenly feeling the urge to comfort her and protect her. Was she okay? She softly caressed them and noticed her mother giving her a small nod before looking away.
“Alright. Now, we can discuss your sudden appearance Areum.”
Mrs Kim chuckled. “I see you are still the same impatient woman.”
Namjoon took a seat and growled lowly as if he was warning her. “Mother, be serious.”
“I already mentioned about missing my son and wanted to see how he has been, talk about marriage now that I allowed him to stay here for a long time. Was it enough time to get to know each other?”
She looked at Sowon who blinked in confusion.
“Uh pardon?”
“Haven't you realised that it's been about months that I sent Namjoon to live here and allow both of you to know each other, build a bond before marriage?”
“Ah time flies by,” Mr Han agrees.
“It was only supposed to be for a month but Mr Kim and I were busy with our company so it took me some time to visit your family. I hope you don't mind it.”
So is that why Namjoon came here?
Sowon glanced at Namjoon who was still sitting silently in his seat without a word or movement. Was he embarrassed because his mother was telling them stuff related to their planned marriage? Or was he angry?
“So tell me, has both of you built up the bond and trust you need before marriage?”
This time, Sowon could not help but feel her cheeks become warm. Was she blushing? But why? She didn't even like Namjoon, not before or now. But the intimate hug from yesterday came to her mind and she cringed. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration.
No denying that she was somehow attracted towards him but did he feel the same way too? Probably he should, considering how Namjoon always initiates the first step all the time.
“You should rest for now. We can discuss this later.” Namjoon speaks out.
“Yes, you must be tired after such a long trip.” Mrs Han indulges.
Mrs Kim shakes her head and laughs. “I am okay, really. What better time is it to discuss this topic?”
Namjoon glares at his mother but Mr Han speaks up first.
“We have plenty of time. Come I will show you the extra guest room.”
To everyone's surprise, Mrs Kim nods and follows Sowon's father out of the living room. Is it only me or is Mrs Kim kinder to my father? Sowon wonders. She lets out the breathe she was unconsciously holding in.
Sowon's mother breaks a strained smile at Namjoon who was still stiff in his seat, his fixated on the floor. Then she looked at her daughter, promptly leaving for her room.
Now it was only Namjoon and Sowon in the living room, atmosphere still dense and rigid. Should she leave? Or initiate a conversation? Unsure, she glanced at the male and frowned because he was now running his hand through his platinum blonde hair, ruining his collected hairstyle.
Why does everyone look tired today?
As she contemplated choosing between asking a bunch of questions floating in her mind or leaving him alone with his thoughts, all of a sudden, Namjoon straightens before he quietly leaves the room, not glancing at her way even once.
Was he, supposedly, angry at her?
And so, Sowon's train of puzzled thoughts and overthinking brain began, with her cringing at some unpleasant assumptions. Namjoon was visibly upset after seeing his mother and she could not grasp the tension that followed them.
“Here.”
Sowon glanced up, recognizing the familiar veiny hand holding out a strawberry milkshake with extra whipped cream in her direction. Reluctantly she takes it, gazing up to meet his eyes that were focused on her.
“T-thank you.”
Namjoon still seemed upset, and he did not take his eyes off her. Shoving his hands into his jacket pockets, he let out a tiny exhale. She thought he was mad at her and would probably go inside his room but here he was, proving her thoughts wrong and handing her her favourite drink.
Sowon swallows, steeling herself to ask him about what was bothering him. If he could display such care for her, she must do the same. Not out of reciprocation or guilt but because she was sincere and didn't wish to hurt him any further.
“Are you okay?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
They keep their eyes locked.
“About your mo-”
She starts but Namjoon's phone starts to ring, cutting her question in the middle. He quickly whips it out, checking the screen before giving her an apologetic look.
“Sorry, I have to take this.”
With that, he left and she frowned, watching him leave the house hastily. Something was not right and Sowon knew the male was being suspicious. Her thoughts trailed off.
What exactly are you hiding Namjoon?