Chapter Forty-two: Fractured Trust.

The atmosphere was cautiously optimistic as Soo Jeon prepared for her second meeting with Min Jun's parents. After the somewhat positive reception following her ballet performance, she felt a flicker of hope that things were starting to turn in their favor. Min Jun had assured her that his parents were trying, especially his mother, and Soo Jeon wanted to believe that their relationship could be built on mutual respect and understanding.

 She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her dress and smoothing her hair. The gift she'd carefully chosen for Mrs. Kang—a delicate porcelain tea set—rested on the table nearby, symbolizing her earnest wish to bridge the gap. Min Jun's encouragement echoed in her mind as she took a deep breath and picked up the gift, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

 At the Kang family house, the atmosphere was tense but manageable. Mr. Kang greeted them warmly, and even Mrs. Kang, though reserved, accepted Soo Jeon's gift with a polite smile. They exchanged pleasantries over tea, and for the first time, Soo Jeon felt a glimmer of warmth from Min Jun's mother.

 "Thank you, Soo Jeon. This is lovely," Mrs. Kang said, her voice soft yet distant. "It's clear you put a lot of thought into it."

 Soo Jeon nodded, her smile genuine. "I did. I hope it brings you joy."

 The conversation continued with polite exchanges, and Soo Jeon began to relax, feeling a sense of cautious optimism. But just as the atmosphere began to warm, the doorbell rang, and the air grew still.

 Ji-Eun walked in with her usual confident stride, feigning surprise at seeing Min Jun and Soo Jeon there. "Oh, I didn't realize you all would be here! I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by," she said, her tone dripping with false cheerfulness.

 Min Jun stiffened immediately, his expression darkening. Soo Jeon could feel the tension in his grip as he held her hand under the table. Mrs. Kang's demeanor shifted, a mix of discomfort and curiosity flickering in her eyes.

 Ji-Eun wasted no time, casually inserting herself into the conversation. She made subtle, seemingly innocent remarks about Soo Jeon's past, suggesting that she might have had motives beyond love in pursuing Min Jun. Her words were carefully chosen, framed as concern rather than accusation, but the impact was clear.

 "I heard some things, you know," Ji-Eun said with a feigned sigh. "It's just… when people talk, I worry. Especially when it's about someone who's so close to our family."

 Mrs. Kang's expression hardened, and the fragile progress they had made seemed to shatter in an instant. Min Jun's patience snapped. He stood abruptly, his voice cold and firm. "Ji-Eun, that's enough. You're not welcome here if all you're going to do is spread lies and try to create problems."

 Ji-Eun's eyes widened in mock offense. "I'm just trying to look out for your family, Min Jun. You know how much I care."

 "No," Min Jun cut her off sharply. "If you cared, you'd respect my choices and stop this. But you're only making things harder for everyone."

 Mrs. Kang's gaze shifted uncomfortably between her son and Ji-Eun, caught in the crossfire of conflicting loyalties. Min Jun's direct confrontation left her flustered and silent, and the tension in the room became unbearable.

 Soo Jeon, sensing that things were spiraling out of control, gently squeezed Min Jun's hand. "Maybe we should go," she whispered, her voice strained but calm.

 Min Jun nodded, still glaring at Ji-Eun. "We're leaving," he announced, taking Soo Jeon's hand and leading her out. The room was left in stunned silence, with Mrs. Kang looking conflicted and Ji-Eun watching them go with a satisfied smirk.

 Outside, Soo Jeon let out a shaky breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I'm sorry," Min Jun said, his voice filled with frustration and regret. "I didn't want it to end like that."

 Soo Jeon managed a small smile, though her eyes were filled with sadness. "It's not your fault, Min Jun. Ji-Eun knows exactly what she's doing, and she's very good at it."

 "I'm going to set things straight," Min Jun promised, his determination unwavering. "I won't let her keep doing this to us."

 They walked in silence for a while, the weight of the evening settling heavily on their shoulders. When they reached Soo Jeon's apartment, she turned to him, her gaze earnest and sincere. "Min Jun, I know this is hard. But I'm not giving up on us, and I don't want you to either."

 Min Jun pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice thick with emotion. "Never. We'll get through this, Soo Jeon. One way or another."

 The chapter ends with Soo Jeon feeling reassured by Min Jun's steadfast support, even as doubts linger about the future. They know that the path ahead will be difficult, but together, they are ready to face whatever comes.