Capítulo 86: Bundles of Crimson Thread – VI
Jihu's father sat at the dining room table, idly flipping through the newspaper. Meanwhile, Jihu's mother cooked breakfast in the kitchen.
It was another slow mid-week day. Since Jihu's father had been injured so severely, his company had given him the rest of the year off to recover. And since Jihu was doing so well for himself, that meant Jihu's father didn't have to worry.
But that meant that it was boring.
Jihu's father flipped through the newspaper again and then sighed, setting it down.
Jihu's mother walked over with some tea. "What's wrong, Dear?"
Jihu's father shook his head. "Nothing. I just wish life was a more interesting. Sitting around like this all day watching dramas and martial arts movies gets real boring real fast."
Jihu's mother laughed. "That's because Dear is a workaholic. Isn't that clear from how our children are?"
Jihu's father stopped to think about that.
Wooseok called often, but he never came home to check with them unless they asked him.
Jinhee was out of school after that incident, but she spent all of her time writing and trying to make a career as a novelist.
Then there was his rascal of a son Jihu...
That kid was fine now. He was making a proper living working as a bigshot in Sinyoung. Hell, he even got the president to send a congratulatory letter for his work in the company.
But considering that the kid went out of contact for weeks at a time and then only called or texted...
Jihu's father was fine with it. After lazing about and ruining his life for the past few years, Jihu's father was just happy the kid was doing something productive.
Though working so hard like that...
Jihu's father blinked and then sighed. "Maybe I should have taken more breaks when the kids were younger."
Like his wife said, the kids definitely got that from him. It was fine when for him since he had to support not just their kids but Yoo Seonhwa and her younger sister. But his rascals didn't need to work so hard! He was doing fine for himself, their mother was doing well, and Seonhwa was taking care of her sister now.
There wasn't a need for the brats to grind their noses against the wall working like that.
Jihu's mother walked back to the kitchen to cook. After a bit, the smell of fried batter and green onions filled the air, along with the sound of crackling oil. "Maybe!" Jihu's mother called out from the kitchen and said, "But it's fine, Dear. The kids are all grown up now. They can decide what they want to do."
"Hn."
That was true. Didn't stop him from worrying about them though. Wooseok's personality was too rigid and he was the type to bear all the burdens without telling anyone. Then Jinhee was a girl who got carried away too easily, especially when following her intuition. And Jihu... was Jihu.
A few minutes passed by in silence. During that time, Jihu's father looked through the newspaper.
Nothing much. Just the usual garbage headlines. The most interesting thing was about how some experts were predicting some new-fangled digital coin was going to be the next big thing.
Idiot. Who would ever use money on a fake coin that only existed in the internet?
...Though, he did have a lot of money lying around. Maybe he should throw a bit in there. Not like the money the kids were sending him were doing any good just sitting in the bank...
"Speaking of the kids being grown up..." Jihu's mother walked back from the kitchen set down a plate of green onion pancakes in front of Jihu's father. After that, she sat across from him with a plate of her own food. Looking up at Jihu's father, she said, "When do you think we can expect grandchildren?"
Jihu's father snorted. "Not any time soon if we're talking about Wooseok. That kid's almost thirty now and still never brought home a girlfriend... At this rate, we might have to start looking into getting him an overseas wife."
Jihu's mother rolled her eyes and said, "Things don't work like that these days, Dear. You can't just buy a wife with money."
"I know. I'm just saying that's going to be the only way for us to get a grandchild from our eldest son."
Jihu's mother sighed. "...I don't want to admit it, but you might be right. Wooseok has always been a bit too serious... and stubborn. Just like you, Dear."
"Me? Serious and stubborn?" Jihu's father snorted.
Jihu's mother laughed. After eating a bit more of her pancake, she said, "Well, what about Jinhee?"
Jihu's father narrowed his eyes. "Is there something I should know about?"
Jihu's mother rolled her eyes. "Calm down, Dear. Jinhee's not seeing anyone now."
"Are you sure? That girl has always been a bit wild and careless... Did you forget what almost happened to her already?"
Jihu's mother frowned. "Stop that. It wasn't her fault."
"Hmph."
"Dear."
"...Even so, she should have known better. Going out as a young girl to a bar to meet men never ends well. Especially if you don't know the men... And even if you do."
Jihu's mother narrowed her eyes. "Even if that's true, don't talk like that to her. She couldn't help the fact that her friends were all jealous shrews who changed when they started seeing money."
"Hn. Either way, I don't want grandkids from her for at least another ten years."
"Ten!?" Jihu's mother let out an exasperated sigh. "Dear. We'll almost be in our sixties by then!"
"The perfect age to sit around and act like grumpy grandparents."
Jihu's mother rolled her eyes. "Well, if Jinhee finds a proper man in the next few years, I'm going to support her. This old lady can't wait around that much longer for cute grandkids."
Jihu's father sipped on his tea and said, "What? Not expecting any from Jihu?"
Jihu's mother sighed. She sliced a piece of her pancake off and then ate it. After that, she said, "I had high hopes for him and Seonhwa... but it looks like they broke it off."
Jihu's father paused. "Really?"
Jihu's mother nodded. "Seunghae told me the other day that her older sister has been seeing someone else recently. Not only that, but from how Jinhee has been reacting whenver Seonhwa comes up..."
Jihu's father sighed. "That idiot. I told him to put a ring on her already. It was already a miracle that she still put up with him after all of that."
"Yes... Seonhwa was really patient. Though... Jihu was as well, remember? Working so hard to send her off to university overseas and then not hearing anything back from her until she graduated." She sighed and said, "Looking back, it's no wonder our son started gambling."
"...Hn. Whatever the case, that's done." He ruffled his paper and said, "I don't expect much from him either. All that time with Seonhwa and the kid didn't man up enough to either marry her or try to have a kid..."
"Oh they tried." Jihu's mother laughed. "But I think they took being careful a bit too seriously..." She sighed. "If only they slipped up. I could be taking care of a cute baby right now and have a sweet daughter-in-law."
Jihu's father shook his head and then finished his tea. After that, he finished his green onion pancakes as well. "I'm perfectly fine without grandkids for the time being. Those rascals are already a handful with how much they make me worry."
Especially Jihu.
Since he was working for Sinyoung, the kid was doing well. And he was working a proper job too. But something in his gut told him that Jihu was being reckless again.
It was the same feeling he had when Jihu started gambling. Like he was hiding something from them. Something big.
But what could that rascal-
*Dingdong*
The doorbell chime.
Jihu's father blinked and looked at his wife. "Are you expecting anyone?"
Jihu's mother shook her head and said, "No, Dear." She frowned and said, "Do you think Jinhee forgot her keys?"
"After last time? I doubt it."
"Maybe it's Seonhwa or Seunghae? It's been a while since they visited, and Seonhwa did say she wanted to talk about something with us..."
"In the middle of the day though?"
"True..."
*Dingdong*
The doorbell rang again.
Jihu's mother frowned and stood up.
"No." Jihu's father set his newspaper down and said, "I'll get it."
"No, Dear." Jihu's mother quickly walked over and said, "You're still recovering. Let me-"
"I'm *fine.* What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and I'm not dead yet."
"*Yet.*" Jihu's mother frowned and moved in front of her husband. "But the doctor said that it was a miracle you survived. And with how many our family has had recently, I don't want to pray for another."
Jihu's father flinched. "...Fine. Then we'll go-"
"See?"
Jihu's father froze. So did his wife.
"No one's answering. They're clearly not home, Claire."
The words were English, and spoken by an unfamiliar female voice. No, now that he thought about it, that voice was vaguely familiar. They had heard it a few times when she called to give updates on Jihu.
Jihu's mother turned to her husband and said, "Is that... Miss Kim?"
Jihu's father frowned, quietly walking to the front door.
"They are. The car is in the garage, and there is the smell of freshly fried scallions in the air."
"...Which means they're just having breakfast now. Great."
"Indeed. A perfect time to introduce yourself to the in-laws, is it not?"
There was another female voice there. That one was unfamiliar. A bit cold, but refined.
Jihu's father wasn't fluent in English, but he knew enough to pick up on certain important words.
Like "in-laws."
"Dear?" Jihu's mother tilted her head. "...Do you understand what they're saying?"
Jihu's father frowned and reached for the door.
"...See?" Miss Kim's voice echoed again. "They're not taking visitors anyway. So-"
Jihu's father opened the door.
"Let's go- Gah?! G-Good morning!"
Like they thought, it was Miss Kim. But unlike how she was usually dressed up, at the moment, the businesswoman was wearing casual clothes. A plain white blouse, jeans, sneakers... simple clothing that were for going out on the streets instead of to the office.
She also wasn't alone. Standing next to Miss Kim was a beautiful foreigner with golden hair and clear blue eyes. Her expression was neutral, and like Miss Kim, she was wearing a casual outfit. The exact same, actually. But even so, she gave off a sharp air. Almost like a military woman.
But when she saw Jihu's father, the foreigner's expression relaxed into a shy smile and she bowed. "Anyasayyoung."
Jihu's father blinked.
Miss Kim cleared her throat and said, "G-Good morning, Uncle. Could we come in for a bit?"
Before Jihu's father could respond, his wife stepped forward and helped the foreigner back up. "There's no need for that. Come, come." She looked back to her husband and said, "Dear. Go pour some more tea out for these ladies."
It was a simple request. But Jihu's father knew his wife, and from the way she was looking at him... It seemed like this was going to be a hassle.
Jihu's father sighed and walked over to the kitchen. "Just come in, Miss Kim. We were just having breakfast. You can join us."
"U-Um. That's fine. I just-"
Jihu's mother interjected and said, "Don't say that you're just here for a talk, Miss Kim. With all that you've done for us, you're practically family. And you too, Miss... Ah. I don't know much English, but... *Jihu friend, welcome! Home like yours!*"
"F-Family, huh?" Miss Kim blushed, but then she cleared her throat and translated for the foreigner.
Meanwhile, Jihu's father walked to the kitchen to grab some more cups and plates of food. While he poured the tea, Jihu's father was lost in thought, wondering why those women were here.
Miss Kim was a serious sort of person. A professional businesswoman through and through. But right now she was nervous. Not only that, but she looked a bit frazzled, as if she had rushed over from coming off the streets.
Then there was that foreigner... She was definitely a beauty. The sort that wouldn't be surprising to see on magazine covers or modeling the latest fashion.
But she was here. With Miss Kim. Who looked nervous.
And considering that Jihu had been out of contact for a while and that the rascal still hadn't showed his face to his parents...
Jihu's father walked back to the dining hall with a tray of food, plates, and the tea. Also the tea kettle.
When he returned, his wife was seated at the table on one side while the two women were seated on the other.
Jihu's father set the tray down and handed out the tea and plates of green onion pancakes. After that, he sat down.
"Thank you, Uncle." Miss Kim nodded and picked up a cup of tea.
The foreigner bowed her head and did the same.
Jihu's father waited, taking the time to sip his own cup of tea.
Jihu's mother simply smiled, waiting patiently.
Silence.
And then Jihu's father set his cup of tea down and looked at their guests. Shifting his gaze to the foreigner briefly and then to Miss Kim, he said, "So. What did that rascal do this time, Miss Kim?"
"A-Ah. That's-"
"Did he get fired? Sick? Or did he get into some trouble overseas." He shifted his gaze back to the foreigner and said, "Is that why she's here? Did my brat knock up a girl overseas?"
Jihu's mother gasped and slapped her husband's arm. "Dear!"
"What?" He grumbled and crossed his arms. "Seeing how that rascal's been overseas so much and how handsome he is, you *know* that he's been up to no good."
Jihu's mother rolled her eyes and said, "Have a little more faith in our son, Dear. Now. Miss Kim-"
"Just Hannah's fine, Auntie."
"Then Hannah it is." She smiled and said, "What brings you here today? And who is this pretty Miss?"
"W-Well..."
Before Hannah could finish, the foreigner bowed her head. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mother and Father. My name is Claire." She raised her head and said, "In accordance to the tradition of this land, my family has sent me to be with the family of the man who has taken my purity."
Perfect Korean. No, lines that had been well rehearsed.
Jihu's father blinked and looked at Hannah.
She coughed before letting out a nervous laugh. "Don't mind her. Claire watched a lot of... watched a lot of old Korean dramas on the flight over. I think she just wanted to practice her Korean. One moment." She leaned over to Claire's ear and started whispering in English.
Claire's eyes widened and she bowed her head again before saying a few words in stilted Korean. "My apologies. I misspoke."
Jihu's mother placed her hand over her chest and then laughed. "It's fine, Sweetie." She looked to Hannah and said, "Could you tell her to be more careful with her words next time, Hannah? Old ladies like myself might not be able to handle the shock."
Jihu's father nodded. "Right. That could cause some misunderstandings too."
"I'll..." Hannah let out a strained smile. "I'll do my best."
Jihu's father crossed his arms. "So... back to the main topic. Why are you here, Miss Kim?"
Hannah was silent.
Jihu's father frowned.
Jihu's mother frowned as well and said, "Hannah, sweetie? Is something wrong?"
"...Seol."
"Pardon?" Jihu's mother shook her head and said, "You'll have to speak up a bit louder, Sweetie. I'm a bit hard of hearing these days-"
"It's Miss Seol. Well, technically Missus Seol." Hannah blushed and muttered, "Jihu and I got married early this morning so I wanted to greet you two. A-And Claire here is his mistress from overseas. B-But don't worry! I approve of her! It's not cheating. Everyone knows what's going on, and there will probably be a few others, so I wanted to let Uncle and Auntie... No, I mean Father-in-law and Mother-in-law know before others start showing up. It's all a perfectly reasonable relationship and everything is completely above broad. Not to mention that Jihu has the resources to support all of us, and I know that this is a bit sudden but-"
"Stop." Jihu's father held up his hand.
Hannah flinched and quickly shut up.
"So you're telling me-"
The sound of a key jiggling in the front door's lock echoed.
Everyone froze, slowly turning towards the entrance.
"Huh? The door's unlocked?"
A young female voice echoed. Jinhee's.
"Maybe Jihu came home already?" Another female voice echoed. Kind and serene.
"Please. Oppa's probably scrambling to buy you some gifts to make up for being out all night with his other women."
Jihu's father's eyes widened and he turned to look at Hannah.
She tugged the collar of her shirt and let out a nervous laugh. "U-Um..."
The front door flew open. At the same time, Jinhee's voice called out. "Mom, Dad! I'm back! And you'll never guess who I brought back with... me?" Jinhee trailed off when she saw who was sitting with her parents.
Hannah cleared her throat and then slowly raised her hand. But since she was seated with her left side to the front door, that meant she also showed off her ring. A ring that was a very clear wedding band.
Jinhee's eyes widened. And then she looked at Claire, sitting next to Hannah. Specifically, she stared at the ring sitting on *her* left ring finger as well. Another clear wedding band.
Silence.
And then...
"OPPA! YOU GODDAMNED CHEATING PERVERTED SICK SON OF A-"
xxx
I froze, feeling a chill run down my back.
"Will that be all, Sir?"
"Ah, yeah." I handed the clerk my card to swipe for the flowers and chocolates.
"There you are. Please, have a wonderful day!"
"...I'll try." I mumbled and turned towards the exit.
...Why did I feel like my life was about to get a hell of a lot more hectic?
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