As the autumn breeze gently rustled through the trees, Soo Hyun and Yea Ji found themselves driving through the familiar roads where she used to walk on. The road that goes to her elementary school and the neighbourhood mall that she would frequent with her sister on the way back home from school. Passing by the supermarket that her parents would bring them to when they had to stock up on their groceries for the week brought back fond memories of the time she was growing up. The couple will be spending their Chuseok holiday with Yea Ji's family, for Soo Hyun, it was a much-needed break from filming "Queen of Tears" and he knew that spending time with her family would help him recharge and rejuvenate.
Yea Ji hummed along to a song playing on the car radio, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The car pulled up in front of her parent's house, and before they could unload the items they had brought, Yea Ji's parents and nieces came out of the house and eagerly welcomed them with warm smiles and open arms.
Inside the house, the air was filled with the aroma of traditional Chuseok foods. The table was adorned with various dishes and a variety of banchan. Yea Ji's mother had prepared a feast fit for a king, knowing that Soo Hyun had been tirelessly working on his drama. The Songpyeon that Soo Hyun brought as a gift for the family was also added to the dining table.
As they gathered around the table, Yea Ji's mother couldn't resist teasing the couple. "Soo Hyun-ah, thank you for the gifts! By any chance, did you make this Songpyeon by hand?" she asked mischievously. "It's a popular belief that those who succeed in making beautifully shaped Songpyeon will give birth to a beautiful child or have a successful marriage."
Yea Ji blushed slightly, leaving no doubt that her mother's question was aimed at subtly hinting for Soo Hyun to marry her daughter and start a family. Yea Ji's sister quickly sensed the awkwardness and tried to salvage the situation.
"Omma, let's not put Soo Hyun on the spot," she said with a smile. "We all know they're happy together, and when the time is right, they can start thinking about starting a family. Let's not push them too hard," she said with a chuckle. "We should just enjoy this precious time together as a family."
Soo Hyun blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. He glanced towards Yea Ji, his eyes filled with love as he replied, "Ommonim, I haven't made Songpyeon before, but I'm more than ready to start a family with Yea Ji. We both understand that as celebrities, huge life-changing events like that require preparation and planning. We want to make sure we can provide a safe, stable and loving environment for our future children as well."
Yea Ji's father, who had been listening quietly, couldn't contain his excitement any longer. He leaned forward, his eyes shining with joy, and exclaimed, "I would be happy and blessed to have you as a son-in-law, Soo Hyun," he said warmly. "I trust you to bring happiness to my daughter's life and to our family. Whenever you both are ready, I will eagerly await the news."
Laughter erupted around the table, as the family playfully teased Soo Hyun and Yea Ji. It was a moment of pure joy, one that would be etched in their memories forever. The couple found themselves basking in the warmth and love of Yea Ji's family. Yea Ji could not help but steal glances at Soo Hyun whenever she had the chance. Each time, she noticed his hand resting gently beside hers as if he never wanted to let go. Whether it was a tender touch on her arm or a light side hug, his affectionate gestures spoke volumes about their deep connection. It was evident that Soo Hyun felt the same way about her, as his eyes sparkled whenever he caught her looking at him.
They spent the rest of the evening exchanging stories, sharing laughter, and bonding over their love for Yea Ji. Throughout their time together, conversations with her parents had flowed seamlessly, as if Soo Hyun was already a part of their family. He effortlessly engaged in discussions about their traditions, shared stories of his own experiences, and laughed along with their jokes.
As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to what each family member had been busy with, and the room was filled with laughter and joy. Soo Hyun bonded with Yea Ji's nieces, playing games and telling funny stories. The love and warmth in Yea Ji's family made him feel welcomed and cherished.
Yea Ji unpacked two boxes of cakes that had been sent by fans as Chuseok gifts. She had received them from HyunJis - Soo Hyun and Yea Ji shippers, who always showered them with love and support. Among the variety of treats, Yea Ji had specifically chosen some cakes for her two adorable nieces, knowing how much they loved sweets.
As the night drew to a close, the time came for the couple to bid farewell to Yea Ji's family, a bittersweet feeling filled the air.
Yea Ji's omma packed boxes of food for them, food that not only fed their physical bodies but also warmed their heart. With their bags packed, they made their way towards the door, but before they could leave, Yea Ji's parents called them back.
"Soo Hyun-ah, take this bag of food for your Omma too. She's more than welcome to join us for a meal. I'd cook up a feast for her!"
Soo Hyun's eyes widened with surprise, his heart full of gratitude. For the first time in a long while, Soo Hyun felt embraced by their warmth and acceptance. He could not help but feel overwhelmed by the kindness and acceptance he experienced that evening and struggled to find words to express his emotions but managed to stammer, "Abeoji, Ommonim, gomapseumnida! That's... really kind of you. I'm really happy and grateful." Yea Ji, ever attentive, noticed his emotions bubbling to the surface and gently reached out to hold his hand with a loving grip.
Tears of gratitude welled up in Soo Hyun's eyes as he squeezed Yea Ji's hand, silently conveying his appreciation. This act of comfort and understanding made him feel safe and loved, like he was part of something bigger than himself.
Her parents looked at the couple, their eyes filled with pride and happiness."You two complete each other," Yea Ji's father spoke, his voice tinged with emotion. "We have seen the love and care you both share, and it warms our hearts. We couldn't have asked for a better partner for our daughter, Soo Hyun."
Soo Hyun nodded, his gaze meeting Yea Ji's parents', tears of gratitude still lingering in his eyes. "Gamsahamnida," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Tonight, you've given me a family that I've always yearned for. I'll treasure this moment forever. I promise to love and cherish her for the rest of my life. She means everything to me, and I am truly grateful to be a part of this wonderful family."
Yea Ji's parents, having grown fond of Soo Hyun, embraced him tightly, treating him like their own son, their eyes gleaming with pride and love. They shared how proud they were of Yea Ji for finding such a loving and caring partner. "Remember, you have a family here," Yea Ji's mother whispered, tears welling up in her eyes as they exchanged heartfelt goodbyes. The couple carried Yea Ji's parents' blessings along with them and promised to visit again soon. As they walked hand in hand towards the car, Yea Ji squeezed Soo Hyun's hand affectionately.Driving back to Seoul, Soo Hyun held Yea Ji's hand tightly, grateful for the love and acceptance he had found in her family. They were ready for the next chapter in their lives, knowing they had the support of those who mattered most. As they drove away, the couple shared a tender moment, their fingers intertwined. Soo Hyun turned to Yea Ji, his eyes filled with love when the car stopped at a traffic stop.
To lighten the mood, Yea Ji could not resist teasing Soo Hyun as they made their way back home.
"You know, sometimes I wonder if you're more like their daughter than I am," she playfully remarked, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips.
Soo Hyun chuckled, his eyes filled with a deep sense of adoration. "Well, I can't blame them for loving me so much. After all, I'm completely head over heels in love with their amazing daughter," he said, his voice sincere and filled with genuine affection.
Yea Ji's heart melted at his words. She couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the wonderful man she was in a relationship with. Soo Hyun had always promised to be there for her, supporting her dreams and being her rock. Yea Ji kissed his hand that she was holding, feeling incredibly blessed to have found a partner who loved and cherished her so deeply. "I'm so grateful to have you in my life," she whispered. "And I know that when the time is right, we'll have the most beautiful family together."
Soo Hyun smiled and kissed her forehead. "I believe that too, Yea Ji." As they entered the city lights, Soo Hyun looked at Yea Ji and whispered, "I can't wait to start our own family, Yea Ji. With you by my side, I know we can overcome any challenge that comes our way."
Yea Ji smiled, her heart full of love. She knew that their Chuseok holiday with her family had been a turning point in their relationship. Throughout the drive back, thoughts filled Yea Ji's mind. She could see a bright future ahead with Soo Hyun. She knew that one day, they would become husband and wife, and start their own family. But for now, they were content in the warmth and love they had found in each other's arms. The Chuseok holiday had brought them even closer, reinforcing their bond and commitment to each other.
With hearts full of love and gratitude, Soo Hyun and Yea Ji stepped into their home, unpacking loads of food from Yea Ji's family before finally having time together in each other's embrace. They settled into bed, wrapped in each other's arms, and allowed the blissful silence to envelop them. Soo Hyun snuggled closer, his tired body sinking into Yea Ji's comforting presence. She began stroking the strands of his hair gently, weaving her fingers through them.
"Thank you for showing me what it means to be loved unconditionally," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. "I can't wait to create a lifetime of beautiful memories with you as we embark on this journey together."
Yea Ji leaned closer, their foreheads touching. "I feel the same way, Soo Hyun," as she stroked his hair, knowing that he finally succumbed to the embrace of sleep, Yea Ji held him tighter, her heart brimming with affection. She placed a soft kiss on his forehead before joining him in dreamland. As she closed her eyes, a contented smile graced her lips. They had celebrated Chuseok with her family, but it was in this serene moment, as she whispered words of love to her slumbering partner, that Yea Ji found the truest sense of belonging.