Chapter Thirty-one: Unyielding Pressure.

Kang Min Jun sat stiffly at the dining table, his parents seated across from him. The air was thick with tension as Mrs. Kang stirred her tea, the clinking sound of the spoon against the porcelain filling the otherwise silent room. Mr. Kang's gaze was fixed on his son, waiting for the moment to speak.

 "We've been patient, Min Jun," Mrs. Kang finally said, her voice calm but laced with expectation. "But it's time we set a date for the engagement party. Ji-Eun's family has been asking."

 Min Jun's heart sank. The mere thought of an engagement party felt like a noose tightening around his neck. He had avoided this conversation for as long as he could, but now there was no escape. His mind flashed to Soo Jeon—her smile, the way she made him feel alive. But that happiness felt worlds away from this cold, heavy moment.

 "I haven't decided on a date yet," Min Jun replied, his voice strained as he fought to maintain composure.

 His father's brow furrowed. "What's there to decide? Ji-Eun is the right match for you, and this is what's best for our family."

 Min Jun clenched his fists under the table, his knuckles turning white. How could he explain that his heart belonged to someone else? That he couldn't go through with this charade?

 "Father, I need more time," Min Jun said, his tone pleading.

 Mrs. Kang exchanged a look with her husband before leaning forward. "Min Jun, we understand that you're under a lot of pressure, but this is not just about you. It's about our family's future. Ji-Eun is a well-suited partner, and we've already promised her family."

 The word "promised" hung in the air, like an unspoken threat. Min Jun could feel the walls closing in on him. His parents wouldn't relent. To them, this was about honor, tradition, and status.

 But to Min Jun, it was a life sentence.

 "Mother, Father, I... I don't think I can do this," Min Jun whispered, his voice trembling with the weight of his confession.

 Mrs. Kang's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, you can't do this? This engagement is happening, Min Jun. We've invested too much into this for you to back out now."

 Min Jun felt as if he were being suffocated. He had to make a choice—between his duty to his family and his love for Soo Jeon. But in this moment, all he could feel was the crushing weight of expectation bearing down on him, and he didn't know how much longer he could hold out.