A Marriage with A Reason - Chapter 59

“Mother, Father! We’re here!”

The front door opened, and Dayun’s voice echoed through the house. The living room, which had been filled with silence, suddenly felt warm and lively.

“Oh my, what’s going on? Come in quickly.”

“Ahem… What brings you here all of a sudden?”

As soon as Dayun’s voice rang out, Jaehoon’s mother rushed out from the kitchen, and his father hurriedly emerged from the study. Their faces showed surprise at the sudden visit, but it was not an unpleasant surprise. In fact, they seemed even happier precisely because it was unexpected—it felt like receiving a surprise gift.

“We must have startled you by coming unannounced. We kept in touch, but we really wanted to see you, Mother, Father.”

“Oh, I see. Well, it’s good that you came. It’s so nice to see you both.”

“Hehe, I feel like we’re having a surprise party.”

Seeing Dayun and his mother holding hands and chatting like mother and daughter, Jaehoon felt a little strange. It had been quite some time since he last visited with Dayun, and he couldn’t help but wonder when his mother and wife had become so close.

“By the way, why are the men in this house so quiet? Honey, say something. Aren’t you happy the kids are here?”

“Ahem… Well, I was just a bit surprised.”

“Oh, come on. Just admit that you’re happy. Stop pretending otherwise.”

“Hmm…”

“Oh dear, look at me. I was so busy teasing your father that I forgot to ask you to sit down. Come, take a seat.”

Despite their dignified titles as chairman and madam, Jaehoon’s parents displayed a playful and shy side, which made Dayun smile unknowingly. She thought that Jaehoon resembled his parents a lot. At first glance, they seemed like strict and difficult people, but underneath, they had a soft and even adorable side. For example, his mother playfully teasing his father, or his father, unable to hide his joy but suppressing his laughter out of shyness.

“Oh dear, you must be hungry. I should start preparing dinner.”

“Oh, Mother! Let me help you.”

“Would you? Hoho, that would be great.”

“Hehe, then shall we go?”

As his mother busied herself with preparing dinner, Dayun immediately stood up to help. Of course, she genuinely wanted to assist, but she also noticed that Jaehoon had been silent ever since they arrived. She knew that the person he found most difficult and uncomfortable in this house was his father. So, she thought they might need some time alone together. It seemed like his mother understood her thoughts as well, or perhaps she had the same idea from the beginning. Unlike other times when she would insist, “Just sit and relax,” today she readily took Dayun’s hand and led her to the kitchen.

As they walked, Dayun quietly asked, “Mother, you were thinking the same thing as me, right?”

“Probably? Those two need some time alone.”

“I was really surprised at first, you know?”

“Why?”

“Because unlike my dad and brother, who are like friends, Father and Jaehoon feel like complete strangers. I wish they could get along better.”

“I know what you mean. But I believe they’ll warm up to each other soon.”

“Really?”

“Yes. With your efforts, and the fact that they do care for each other, it will just take a little time.”

Hearing this, Dayun nodded, hoping that Jaehoon and his father could express their love for each other, just like her father and brother did.

Meanwhile, the two men Dayun wished would get closer sat awkwardly, looking like they didn’t know what to do. It was as if they were sitting but standing on one leg at the same time. Perhaps they both felt the awkwardness or disliked the silence because they suddenly spoke at the same time.

“Um…”

“Ah…”

And just like that, the moment became even more awkward. Both Jaehoon and his father cleared their throats at the same time.

“Go ahead and speak first.”

“Oh, no. You go first, Father.”

“No, you speak first.”

“Really, it’s fine. Please go ahead, Father.”

They couldn’t even make eye contact, pushing the conversation back and forth. It was frustrating to watch. Just then, Dayun and his mother came in with tea and fruit, and his mother sighed at the scene before her.

“Anyone can speak first. Why are you both passing it off?”

That made both of them feel even more awkward, leading to another moment of silence.

“I brought tea so you two could have a nice chat, but now you’re both quiet again?”

“Father, why don’t you play a game of Go with Jaehoon? Or maybe chess?”

Seeing his mother’s worried glance, Dayun suggested an idea. The moment she mentioned Go, his father’s ears perked up and his eyes lit up.

“Go?”

Sensing an opportunity, Dayun nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, Go! Dinner will take a little while, so why not play a game in the meantime? Right, Mother?”

“Of course, that’s a great idea.”

With his mother agreeing, it seemed like his father was already convinced.

“Alright, shall we play a game?”

“Sorry, Father, but I’m not very good at Go.”

Hearing that, his father’s excitement seemed to fade.

“Oh… really?”

Seeing the disappointment on his face, Dayun felt bad. She wished Jaehoon could at least play a little. But then, Jaehoon spoke, making both his father and Dayun smile.

“Instead of Go, how about playing ‘Alkkagi’?”

“Alkkagi?”

“Yes. I may not be good at Go, but I’m a master at Alkkagi.”

With that, they set up the Go board for a game of Alkkagi.

“Let’s make it more interesting. How about a penalty for the loser?”

“A penalty? Alright, I’m in.”

“Hmm… What should it be?”

“What’s the usual penalty?”

“The classic punishment is a forehead flick.”

“A forehead flick? Are you saying you’ll hit your father’s forehead?”

“Father, in the world of competition, there’s no father or son. Only the game matters.”

“Ahem… Alright. Man to man.”

The two of them, heads together like they were planning a secret mission, looked unexpectedly cute. Watching them, Dayun and his mother couldn’t help but smile.

As the game began, loud cries echoed through the house.

“Ah!”

“Ouch!”

Along with the sound of a forehead getting flicked, Dayun hurried over to check. It seemed Jaehoon was the victim.

“Father, that was too much! You flicked too hard. Jaehoon’s forehead is turning red!”

“Dayun, a competition is a competition. The loser must accept the consequences.”

Despite the playful bickering, a warm family atmosphere filled the room. For the first time, thanks to Dayun, Jaehoon truly felt what it was like to be part of a happy family—one he had always dreamed of.

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