Chapter Fifty-three: Shifting Tides.

Min Jun and Soo Jeon sat in his parents' living room, the tension palpable as they explained their decision to have a private ceremony before the main wedding. Min Jun's mother's expression was one of thinly veiled disapproval, while his father remained stoically silent, his gaze fixed on the ornate teapot in front of him.

 "It's not about dismissing tradition," Min Jun said carefully, choosing his words with deliberate calmness. "We want to honor both our families, but we also need something that feels right for us. The private ceremony is a way to do that."

 Mrs. Kang's lips thinned, her disappointment evident. "Tradition is not just for show, Min Jun. It's a way of honoring your ancestors, your heritage. To go against that—"

 "We're not going against anything," Min Jun interjected, his voice firmer. "We're trying to find a balance. I love Soo Jeon, and this ceremony is something that represents our bond. It doesn't mean we're rejecting our roots."

 Mr. Kang finally spoke, his tone measured but firm. "You're walking a fine line, Min Jun. The family expects you to uphold certain values."

Min Jun nodded, meeting his father's gaze. "And we will, in our way. I'm asking for your understanding and support. This is about Soo Jeon and me starting our lives together on our terms."

 Soo Jeon, feeling the weight of the room's scrutiny, kept her composure. She reached for Min Jun's hand under the table, a silent show of solidarity.

 After they left his parents' house, Min Jun squeezed Soo Jeon's hand. "Thank you for being strong in there. I know it wasn't easy."

 Soo Jeon gave a small smile, though her eyes were clouded with worry. "It's okay. I just hope they'll come around."

Meanwhile, Ji-Eun's frustration was reaching a boiling point. She had hoped that her consistent presence and influence would keep Min Jun within her orbit, but it was becoming clear that her efforts were in vain. Watching Min Jun set boundaries with his parents felt like a defeat she couldn't accept. She paced her apartment, her mind racing with plans that grew increasingly reckless. 

 At her next meeting with Mrs. Kang, Ji-Eun tried to play her last card. "I just worry about Min Jun," she said, her voice laced with feigned concern. "It's clear Soo Jeon isn't fitting into the family. Maybe she's not as committed as he thinks."

 Mrs. Kang, sensing the desperation in Ji-Eun's tone, remained non-committal. "Min Jun seems happy with his decisions," she replied curtly, a subtle dismissal that left Ji-Eun fuming. 

 Soo Jeon, on the other hand, faced her own battles. At the ballet company, a new project was announced, but Soo Jeon was unexpectedly sidelined. The rejection stung, compounding the stress she was already under. She sat in the dressing room, staring at her reflection, questioning her choices. 

 Should she tell Min Jun? She hesitated, not wanting to add to his burdens. But the weight of keeping it to herself felt even heavier. That evening, as they sat together, Soo Jeon finally opened up. 

 "I had a rough day at the company," she confessed. "I wasn't chosen for the new project, and it just… it's hard.". 

Min Jun wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "I'm sorry, Soo Jeon. You work so hard. I know how much this means to you."

 Soo Jeon nodded, leaning into his warmth. "I just didn't want to make things harder for you. We've got enough going on.

 "Min Jun kissed the top of her head. "We're a team, remember? Your struggles are my struggles. We'll get through this together."

 As a gesture of unity, Min Jun presented Soo Jeon with a surprise—a delicate piece of jewelry, custom-made to blend traditional Korean design with a modern twist. "I thought this could be part of our wedding," he said, slipping the piece onto her wrist. "A symbol of us finding our way, no matter what.

 "Soo Jeon's eyes filled with tears, touched by the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. "It's perfect," she whispered, her heart swelling with renewed hope.

They sat together, watching the city lights flicker in the distance, their hands intertwined. No matter the challenges ahead, Min Jun and Soo Jeon knew they had each other, and that was all they needed to face whatever came next.