Crossing The Line (Seulrene)

Face to Face

Joohyun didn't leave Seulgi's arms from the moment Mrs. Kang returned her phone until her family arrived. The adults gathered a bit afar and talked among themselves, strategizing on what to do when, ultimately, Joohyun's parents will be there.

For the teenagers, however, it was quieter. Seungwan, Sooyoung, and Yeri just stood next to Joohyun and Seulgi silently while rubbing their backs. The atmosphere was heavy and it wasn't from the bright sun that shined on them.

It felt like an eternity and yet like a blur when the doorbell rang and Yeri's moms rushed inside to go open. Seulgi moved in front of Joohyun to become her human shield and Joohyun held tightly onto her arm. Yeri and Seungwan placed themselves on each side while Sooyoung stood behind them, her head appearing for Joohyun's parents to see when they rushed in the yard. Their eyes set on Joohyun immediately but thankfully so were her siblings' who were right behind them.

Kyung-Mi quickly walked up to Joohyun « Are you alright? » She put a supportive hand on her shoulder but her younger sister shook her head, which saddened her instantly. She felt guilty to have failed to protect her.

Hyun-Woo politely greeted everyone present, bowing his head, and apologized for the inconvenience while he made his way up to his sisters. He smiled affectionately at Seulgi and took a seat next to them.

What was the most unexpected and what truly shocked Joohyun was the presence of Mrs. Shin who followed him.

« Mrs. Shin? » She let out in disbelief.

« Did you think I would leave you alone after all these years? » She smiled softly at her and winked.

« We are not here to make a scene » Mr. Bae interrupted « Joohyun, let's leave now » He ordered with a firm voice.

Mrs. Kang took a step forward and immediately made her presence known « I'm Mrs. Kang, Seulgi's mother. As I said, we need to talk »

« Mrs. Kang, how I raise my daughter is not of your concern. What's happening in my household doesn't involve you. I just don't want your daughter near mine. I hope you understand that » He replied with eyes that could kill.

« I actually don't » Mrs. Kang let out, surprising everyone but firstly him. She crossed her arms over her chest and continued « You might have your beliefs but I don't think they should be superior to your daughter's happiness. When my Seulgi came out to us, it surprised us. And like most heterosexual couples that live in a conservative country, we questioned it. But you need to realize that there is nothing that can change your daughter's sexuality. However, you can change how happy she becomes in her life. Don't you want to see that smile anymore? » She pointed at Joohyun and Mrs. Bae lowered her head.

Mr. Bae, however, only clenched his jaw « That country, as you say, I'm really proud to be part of its government. I work tirelessly to make sure our people live a decent life »

« And you think two women making a life together is not decent? » Mr. Kang took a step forward as well, fully offended by his words.

« Creating a household no. I don't think so » Mr. Bae scoffed.

« And yet you stand in one » Taeyeon spoke, gaining his and his wife's attention « I'm a South Korean woman who married another » She took Tiffany's hand in hers « We met in high school. We started dating despite our parents' disapproval. We persisted » She smiled at her wife before looking back at them « We got married in the US. We found a sperm donor and we made our beautiful daughter, Yeri » She glanced at her daughter proudly « We have a decent life like you so much want your daughter to have. It's not by cutting her from the woman she loves that you will make her into the traditional housewife you so much want her to be. You will create a miserable human being who will have no connection to life. Or worse, you won't have a daughter at all in the future and that will be too late for you to realize how much you fucked up »