After Dark (Prompts)

One Night -20

A/N: let me start by apologizing for the dream sequence in chapter 18. I know it came out of the blue. I was initially going for a different route but decided that it didn't make sense, after analysing the characterisations some more. However, I kept it in because I wanted to show how conflicted Soo-ah was.

Mature conversation ahead. Proceed with caution.

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"How did you feel about today?" Jin-heon asked. They were both in bed now, with Jin-heon at the hotel, while Soo-ah was in her bedroom at home.

"I think it was good. Eomma was listening to you and she seems to really like Ji-ho," Soo-ah shared.

"Yes, I can see that you both like children. Eomeoni was right to bring Ji-ho to charm her," Jin-heon said, happiness evident in his voice.

"Our mothers were chatting quite a bit," Soo-ah told him. "Did your mother tell you what it was about?"

"Not yet," Jin-heon admitted. "But she was too tired. Maybe she'll tell me tomorrow. She did say she had fun though and that their conversation was insightful. Trust my mother to bring out the chattiness in people."

"Jin-heon, you haven't asked what happened over dinner last night?" Soo-ah pointed out. "Are you still hurt about it?"

Jin-heon was quiet for a moment, thinking about what she asked. He did not want to lie to her and say that it was nothing, because it affected him. However, she had been honest to him about the situation and was aware of what was going on. Carefully, he said, "I didn't like seeing you there, I have to admit. But, it was necessary to finally get us a breakthrough with your mom. How was it? Were they very mad about the fact that you're in love with a handsome, hunky  restaurateur?"

Soo-ah snorted. "I said I was in love with a funny man."

He groaned good-naturedly. "They might think you fell in love with a clown!"

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Clowns are creepy. Even Ji-ho says so," Jin-heon said, making Soo-ah laugh as she imagined him pouting. 

Soo-ah proceeded to tell him what happened after she told her mom, Woo-jin, and his mom that she is not going to marry Woo-jin. 

"Eomma, Woo-jin-ssi, you both know that I am with someone and, in case it's not yet obvious from tonight, I care for him very much.  I have no intentions of breaking up with him," she declared.

"Im Soo-ah, that man has caused you so much trouble already! Do you want to get involved in another scandal in school?" Woo-jin said.

"Of course not and there shouldn't be any issue. Look, I'm sorry to inconvenience all of you but this is my life and its my decision." To her mother, she said, "Look at them. They're good people. This is hurting Jin-heon, too, yet he's there sending his nephew to bring me strawberries so I'll feel better. Please give him a chance, Eomma?"

"I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time," Jin-heon whispered.

"I have faith we've passed the most difficult parts," Soo-ah said, hopefully. 

"I hope so," he said. "Soo-ah, did you just say Woo-jin said you might have another scandal in school?"

"Yes. Why?"

Jin-heon frowned. "I wasn't aware that assistant principals were privy to confidential administrative cases."

Im Soo-ah was stunned. He was right. She only told Hyojin and even her other friends in school did not know. "I don't know the answer to that," she admitted.