"Soorin swore up and down she'd never marry an Asian man like her mother. Said she wasn't in tune enough with Korean culture. That she'd grown up too American."
"MOM!" Soorin's face went crimson. "Why are you bringing that up?!"
"Because it's funny! And look at you now!"
"I liked you better when Appa was doing the scary father glare," Soorin muttered.
"I wasn't glaring—" Joonwoo started.
"You absolutely were. At the door. The CEO judgment face."
Joonwoo laughed. Genuine. Warm.
Stood and extended his hand across the table.
Haejin stood awkwardly. Shook it.
"Because of you," Joonwoo said, eyes twinkling, "she's eating those words now. Isn't she?"
The mood shifted. Lighthearted. Fun.
They ate ridiculous amounts of cake.
Exchanged stories. Laughed.
Then Calista brought out gifts.
For Soorin—beautiful jewelry. Art supplies. Thoughtful things that showed how well her parents knew her.
And for Haejin—wrapped boxes. Several of them.
