Chapter Thirty-five: A Proposal for Peace.

The familiar warmth of their favorite café embraced them as they sat across from each other, the sunlight casting a soft glow around the room. It was a place of comfort for both Kang Min Jun and Lee Soo Jeon, but today, an unspoken tension hung in the air between them. Min Jun's brow furrowed slightly, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his coffee cup as he contemplated the words he was about to say. Soo Jeon watched him, sensing his unease, and it made her heart tighten with worry.

 Min Jun finally broke the silence, his voice carrying a blend of hesitation and resolve. "Soo Jeon, I've been thinking a lot about everything that's happened. About Ji-Eun, my parents… us." He paused, gathering his thoughts, then reached across the table to gently hold Soo Jeon's hand. "I think it's time you meet my parents."

 Soo Jeon's eyes widened slightly, her grip tightening around her cup. She hadn't expected this. Not now, when the memories of Ji-Eun's schemes were still fresh and her own insecurities bubbled just below the surface. "Meet your parents?" she echoed, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Min Jun, are you sure that's a good idea? They… they already have their minds set about us. About me."

 Min Jun squeezed her hand gently, his gaze earnest and unwavering. "I know they've been difficult, and I know how much Ji-Eun has influenced them. But I want them to see you, Soo Jeon. The real you. Not the version they've created in their heads. I need them to understand why I love you so much."

 Soo Jeon's heart fluttered at his words, but doubt still clouded her mind. She looked down, tracing the rim of her cup as she tried to organize her thoughts. "I want to do this for you, Min Jun. I really do," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But what if it makes things worse? What if they never accept us? What if I'm not enough for them?"

 Min Jun leaned closer, his thumb brushing soothing circles on the back of her hand. "It's not about being enough for them, Soo Jeon. It's about us. You and me. And I'll do whatever it takes to make them see that. We'll face it together, okay? You don't have to  do this alone."

 Soo Jeon looked up, meeting his gaze. The sincerity in his eyes gave her a glimmer of hope amidst her doubts. She nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the anxiety that still weighed heavily in her chest. "Okay," she agreed, her voice steadier now. "I'll meet them. For us."

 Min Jun's expression softened, relief washing over his features as he brought her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Thank you, Soo Jeon. I promise, no matter what happens, I'll be right by your side."

 As they left the café, hand in hand, Soo Jeon couldn't shake the lingering fear that meeting Min Jun's parents might not go as smoothly as he hoped. But she knew one thing for certain: she trusted Min Jun, and she was willing to take this step with him, even if the path ahead was uncertain.