Roses and Thorns // Jinlia

𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘆-𝗼𝗻𝗲 | the second month

JISU'S BEEN buried under a mountain of assignments lately, as the countdown to the end of her junior year in college ticks away. It's been a hectic period, but a silver lining appeared in the form of an invitation from Ryujin for a dinner at her mansion tonight, marking their second month anniversary. And to make the evening even more special, Ryujin mentioned that she'd like Jisu to meet her mother officially as her girlfriend, though it was up in the air whether her mom could make it.

For the occasion, Jisu chose a chic blue strapless dress paired with elegant black pumps, all set for the evening, just waiting for Ryujin's arrival.

The moment her phone buzzed, Jisu's heart skipped a beat seeing Ryujin's name flash across the screen. She quickly picked up, eager to hear her voice.

“Hold on for just a bit longer, Jisu-yah,” Ryujin's voice came through, light and apologetic.

“I can wait,” Jisu replied warmly, adding a gentle reminder, “Just keep your eyes on the road, okay? Drive safe.”

And almost as if on cue, Ryujin announced her arrival, leading Jisu to swiftly end the call, anticipation bubbling within her.

ㅡ

As Ryujin's car signaled its entry, the gates of the Shin mansion swung open as if by magic, welcoming them open.

The Shins' mansion seemed eerily quiet, almost like a ghost town, devoid of any other human presence. Yet there was an undeniable beauty in its solitude; meticulously landscaped gardens, bursting with an array of flowers and petite trees, transported Jisu to a realm far removed from the ordinary.

“Didn't expect the driveway to be this long,” Jisu remarked, breaking the silence.

“My dad prefers privacy, so he had the house set a good distance away from the entrance,” Ryujin explained, her eyes on the road.

Jisu felt the urge to ask Ryujin about her decision to stay in the mansion despite the traumatic event that occurred there. However, she sensed it wasn't the right moment to delve into such personal territory. Perhaps another time would be more suitable for that conversation.

Finally, they arrived at their destination, with Ryujin skillfully maneuvering her car into the garage. Eager to not trouble Ryujin further, Jisu took it upon herself to open the car door.

As soon as they started on their walk towards the mansion, Jisu instinctively wrapped her arm around Ryujin's arm, fully aware that navigating the vastness of the mansion on her own could easily result in her wandering aimlessly.

Crossing the threshold into the mansion, the grandeur of the receiving area immediately captured Jisu's attention.

“The dining hall is this way,” Ryujin announced, gently guiding Jisu towards their destination.

As they moved, Jisu's eyes were drawn to the array of paintings beautifying the walls, each a masterpiece crafted by world-renowned artists, each telling a unique story through its canvas.

Among them, one particular portrait caught Jisu's eye. It depicted President Shin, a younger Ryujin, and Mr. Shin, collectively exuding an air of nobility reminiscent of a royal family.

Jisu couldn't help but wonder what it must have been like to grow up with a complete family.

“We're here,” Ryujin announced as they reached a semi-huge door. Facing Jisu, she reached into her shoulder bag.

With a smile, Ryujin presented a necklace with a sun and stars pendant, slipping it around Jisu's neck. “I have my own necklace: the moon,” she explained, revealing her own pendant. “Our endearments,” she added, smiling warmly.

Jisu responded with a gentle peck on Ryujin's lips, their foreheads touching as they shared a moment of affection before finally opening the door.

Inside, a long table was set in the middle of the dining hall, adorned with a variety of dishes. But it was the people seated around the table that caught Jisu off guard, leaving her feeling uneasy.

Sensing her discomfort, Ryujin placed a comforting hand on Jisu's back, silently urging her to take a seat.

Jisu felt a surge of panic, her mind racing as she tried to compose herself, her gaze fixed on the table. When she finally mustered the courage to look up, she met President Shin's gaze, receiving a warm smile, which she returned with respect.

“Surprise,” Ryujin quipped in a jokingly flat tone, “I invited Mrs. Choi, Miss Chaeryeong, and Yuna to join us. And my mom surprisingly managed to make it.”

ㅡ

After they finished their meal, Jisu hesitated, feeling compelled to tidy up the dishes, but Ryujin's gentle grip on her wrist stopped her.

“My mom will have someone take care of it after we leave. Just sit back down, Jisu-yah.”

The atmosphere turned distinctly awkward. Silence enveloped the room, so thick you could almost touch it. Even Chaeryeong, usually the life of the party among friends, kept quiet, her gaze aimlessly wandering the dining hall. Yuna seemed preoccupied with her own silent observation of Chaeryeong. Jisu's mother, too, was quiet, casting worried glances at her daughter now and then.

Breaking the silence, the President spoke up, “Ryujin, would you mind showing them to the living room, please?”

“Of course, mom,” Ryujin replied.

ㅡ

Arriving in the living room, they were greeted by six opulent chairs, setting the stage for the continuation of their evening. The silence was becoming too much for Jisu, prompting her to address her mother, “Mom, why are you here? I thought you were swamped with work?”

“I am,” Mrs. Choi softly admitted, leaning in to whisper, “I... I just needed to see that you were okay.”

Jisu bit back another question as she noticed Ryujin's mother making her way over to them.

With everyone seated, Ryujin stood with a certain solemnity. “Mom. Mrs. Choi,” she began, her eyes flicking towards Jisu for a brief moment, “I am Shin Ryujin... and I am Jisu's girlfriend.”

The revelation seemed to hang in the air, leaving Mrs. Choi and President Shin with wide eyes of astonishment.

“Did I hear that correctly?” President Shin inquired, disbelief coloring her voice, “I was under the impression that you were merely good friends!”

Meanwhile, Jisu's mother remained silent, her gaze locked on Ryujin as if trying to fully absorb the news. The weight of the moment threatened to crush Jisu under a wave of anxiety, her mind racing with fears of the worst outcomes.

Then, breaking the tension with an unexpected cheer, Yuna declared, “Well... happy second month of love!” and lifted her hands, ready to applaud the couple.