A/N: Without further adieu, here's installment # 9.
Love Conquers All Ways
Chapter 9
It seems that some people possess boundless amounts of energy. Throughout her life, Lee Mi Young wasn't really known for being the most energetic person in the world. Still, for the last couple of days, she seemed to float on a cloud. With a smile always present and lightness in her step, she seemed to tackle life with more vigor and enthusiasm recently. It was certainly understandable why.
She had replayed the events of that recent magical night in a continuous loop. She could vividly picture the restaurant as if she was still inside it. She beamed as she remembered the fancy dinner that they'd shared in the utmost privacy. Finally, she giggled in reminiscing on the moments leading up to Joong Hee's proposal and her acceptance. In all, Mi Young just couldn't believe how the blessings in her life continued to add up. She might have continued her blissful daydreaming if not for a sudden interruption – a text that came on her phone.
"Lunch at my place? Around 11:30?" What else would she reply?
"Sounds great. See you then".
Although Joong Hee also took time to happily reminisce the proceedings of the other night, this particular morning found him a little frazzled. He had gone grocery shopping. He had Googled the recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara and tried to follow it as best he could. As the lunchtime hour neared, he worked feverishly to recreate the signature dish that his girlfriend seemed to enjoy so much. His labor of love finally concluded with him serving the finished dish upon two separate plates on the dining table. As if on cue, the doorbell rang. With a quick breath, he took a moment before opening the door.
As per his custom, he greeted Mi Young with the warmest hug he could possibly give. The first few times he did this, she would recoil slightly because she hadn't been used to such open PDA with a man before. But, over time, she not only had gotten used to the idea, but she'd even started looking forward to it. After all, he was just showering her with love as only he could do.
She had a look of surprise upon seeing the pasta on the table.
"What's this?"
"What do you think? It's Spaghetti Carbonara" he proudly beamed.
"You made this. You. You . . . actually made this yourself?"
"Why do you look so surprised? I can do some things you know"
"Yes, I know. But, you never cease to amaze me" she smiled.
"Sit. Let's get to eating while it's still hot".
There are some moments in life when the anticipation for an event far exceeds it. It seemed that Joong Hee and Mi Young thought they could slightly recreate the experience from JoonMinBak. Still, in yet another display of their growing synchronicity, they each proceeded to take a bite, they each made a face of utter disgust, and each was forced to spit out the pasta as quickly as possible from their mouths. Although Joong Hee certainly did his best, it was clear that his culinary skills needed major work.
"Ugh! What is? What is this?" Mi Young exclaimed.
"I don't get it. I got the right ingredients. I followed the recipe to a tee. So, what's up with this?" Joong Hee asked confusedly.
"Water. I need some water right now."
"Me too." As they both filled their mouths with water, they did their best to regain their calm.
"I'm sorry, Mi Young-ah. I really wanted to cook a meal for you. I figured that this wouldn't be too hard to make, but I guess I was wrong. I'm really sorry, sweetie!"
"I'm flattered that you even tried. But, Joong Hee-shi. Promise me one thing. Please don't ever try to cook anything for me or us ever again!"
"Shall we have jajangmyun then?" he asked a little sheepishly.
"Sounds good"
"Ok. I'll put in an order"
As they waited for their new lunch, the two of them finally took some time to catch up because they hadn't seen each other since that night.
"So, how are you feeling?" he asked.
"Like I'm on a cloud" she replied.
"Me too"
"I mean, I still can't believe it. I still can't believe that we're getting married."
"By the way, Mi Young-ah. I think we should talk to your parents – right away".
"You mean, today?" she asked reservedly.
"Yeah. I was thinking we should go after lunch. No one else should be home, right?"
"That's true. Yoo Joo and oppa are working. And Ra Young went out as well. So, yeah, Mom and Dad are alone right now."
"Perfect. Why don't we visit them after we eat?" He hesitated upon seeing her face. "Why? You don't want to? You know we need to do this"
"I know. It's just . . . it's just"
"What?"
"What if they don't give us their permission? Joong Hee-shi, you know I love you so much, but I really want Mom and Dad to give their blessing"
As he took her hands, he did his best to reassure her "Mi Young-ah. I'm confident that they will. But, even if they don't, we'll just have to find a way to get their blessing. Do you trust me?"
She looked and nodded positively at him. With that, he gave her a quick hug for further reassurance. Then, the jajangmyun delivery person came. Lunch at last!
It became clear that jajangmyun never got old for these two. They devoured the tasty noodles just as eagerly now as they did their first meal together on a different magical night weeks ago. After completing their scrumptious meal, they kept their promise and travelled to her home. Although they couldn't be certain as to how her parents would react, they remained confident that things would turn out fine. They proceeded to make their way up the stairway and into the home.
"I'm home" Mi Young said.
"I'm here too" Joong Hee echoed.
"Oh. Joong Hee-ah. You're here! Welcome. It's good to have you" Mr. Lee replied enthusiastically.
"Yes, it's always good to see you, Joong Hee-ah" Mrs. Lee offered.
"Thank you, ajumma and ajjushi. Actually, we came to talk with both of you!"
"Oh? Then have a seat. Make yourselves comfy!" Mr. Lee offered.
As the two couples sat across from each other in the living room, there was an awkward silence before Joong Hee finally spoke up.
"Ajumma, ajjushi. You know that I love Mi Young-ah very much. In fact, I love her so much that I've decided that I cannot live without her. My life would be meaningless without her. So, the other night, I proposed to her and she said yes. We want to get married. And now, we've come here to ask for your permission. Ajumma, ajjushi – please give us your permission!"
Although the already married couple felt shock at first, their surprise soon gave way to relief and actual joy.
"You've been dating for so long, I was wondering if this moment would ever come. But, I'm relieved and glad that it has. I know that you two will be just fine with marriage. So, yes, you have my permission!" Mrs. Lee said.
"Thank you, ajumma. Thank you so much!"
"All I wanted was for each of my children to grow up, be healthy, and marry a wonderful person. Joong Hee-ah, thanks to you, I know that my Mi Young will get that trifecta. You have my permission also!" Mr. Lee said with a smile.
"Thank you, ajjushi. Thank you so much!"
"Mom and Dad, thank you both so very much!"
"You know what we should do? We should have the whole family over to celebrate this news. I'll make a great feast for the occasion!" Mr. Lee thought aloud.
"Oh, that's Ok. We were thinking of just telling everyone separately!" Joong Hee protested.
"Nonsense. This is a joyous occasion. And, like my husband says, it should be celebrated properly as a family" Mrs. Lee agreed.
Although they wanted to protest further, they also felt flattered by the gesture. More importantly, they were thrilled that they had the received the blessing that they badly wanted. With everyone's hearts alighted, it was agreed that the entire family would gather for yet another clan dinner in a couple of days.
As dinner night finally arrived, the entire family gathered together in great spirits as usual. One wouldn't have detected any difference from previous get togethers because of the laughter and good feelings that always flowed. Still, four people knew that this particular dinner would be different, but they chose to wait until the end of the meal to divulge the big secret. Soon, the moment arrived.
"Everyone, I have an announcement" Joong Hee started as everyone turned their focus to him.
He grabbed Mi Young's hand and raised them in the air. "I've given it much thought and I've decided . . . to marry Mi Young. I've already gotten Abonim and Omonim's permission. So, I'm now letting the rest of know – we're getting married".
Just as with Mr. and Mrs. Lee, the initial shock everyone felt gave way to congratulations and joy. As the family took turns wishing the happy couple well on their nuptials, the gathering became even more joyful than before. Also, Mr. Lee decided to offer a few words.
"As I told you before, Joong Hee-ah, I'm really happy that you and Mi Young are getting married. Young Shil and I both wish you nothing but the best. Welcome to the family, son – again!" he said to more laughter.
A short time later, Mi Young gathered with her sisters in their bedroom.
"Congrats, little sister! I'm so happy for you!" Hye Young said.
"Congrats, Unni! I'm happy for you too!" Ra Young seconded.
"Me too, agashi! But, here's my question. Where's that honking rock he gave you?" Yoo Joo asked.
As if anticipating the question, she went and showed them the ring. Soon, a chorus of "ooooh's" rang out.
"What a beautiful ring. Wow! Marrying a celebrity has its advantages, huh?" Hye Young thought.
"I'll say. You sure picked a really good one, agashi." Yoo Joo replied.
"I'm so jealous of you, Unni! How come Cheol Soo-shi doesn't do things like this for me?" Ra Young sulked.
"Thanks everyone. I'm feeling excited about this. But, I'm also really nervous too. Should I be?" Mi Young asked.
"You're nervous? Wait until you see your fiancé on wedding way. The guy won't have a chance!" Hye Young said. With that, all the girls laughed wholeheartedly. It made one wonder if the guys heard them from across the hall.
"Congrats, Ahn Joong!" Jun Young said.
"Yeah, congrats, Joong Hee. Wow! I never thought I'd see the day you getting married" Chung Wan offered.
"Thanks! It's great but I wonder if I'm really ready for this though!" he mused.
"None of us are really ready. You're going to have days when you wonder if you're doing the right thing. But, then you remember who you're doing it for, and you'll feel right again" Jun Young said.
"He's right! And after you're married, you find that you just take things one day at a time. But, I know that you and Mi Young will be fine. So, don't worry!" Chung Wan said.
As the family dinner wound to a close, both Joong Hee and Mi Young not only appreciated the advice and love from the family. They also appreciated the significance of their future lives. After all, they were truly meant to be as man and wife – two hearts beating as one.
A/N: As usual, any and all reviews are welcome!
