Honor Or Desire | KTH |
PROLOGUE
The sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the Kim family estate in hues of orange and red. The large courtyard bustled with life, the evening air thick with the scent of spices and freshly baked bread.
Hana sat on the stone steps, hands resting on her lap, watching her sisters, Mira and Soyeon, giggle as they helped their mother peel vegetables. Their laughter was short-lived.
Kim Na-young (grandma)
“Enough with the giggling! Girls should be graceful and quiet,” their grandmother scolded, shaking her head in disapproval.
Hana sighed. This was nothing new. In this household, daughters were meant to be seen, not heard. The kitchen was their domain, and their dreams—if they had any—were better left unspoken.
Across the courtyard, a different world existed. The men lounged on the wooden porch, deep in discussion. Taehyung, his older brothers—Seokjin and Jison—and their father sat together, their voices brimming with excitement. Unlike the women, they were never told to lower their voices. Their futures stretched ahead of them like open roads, full of choices and possibilities.
Kim Seojoon (Tae's father)
“You’ve made the right decision, son,” Taehyung’s father said, clapping his shoulder.
Kim Seojoon (Tae's father)
“Studying in the city will be good for you. Once you finish, enlisting in the military will be beneficial for you and for us as well.”
Hana felt her stomach drop.
She had known this day was coming, had heard the hushed discussions late at night. But hearing it out loud made it real.
Kim Eunji (Hana's mother)
“He’s leaving so soon,” she whispered, setting aside the dough she had been kneading.
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
“Tomorrow,” She sighed beside her.
Kim Eunji (Hana's mother)
“Just like that?”
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
“It’s for the best. A man’s life shouldn’t be wasted in a small village. He has bigger things ahead of him.”
Kim Na-young (grandma)
“And what about marriage?” she interjected, lowering her voice, so the men wouldn’t hear.
Kim Na-young (grandma)
“You already have a girl in mind for him, don’t you?”
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
She smiled knowingly. “Of course. Someone from a good family, well-mannered, raised with the right values.”
Hana swallowed hard, pretending not to hear.
Her fingers curled into her skirt as she stole a glance at Taehyung.
This was it. Tonight, she would tell him.
As the evening stretched on, Hana stood near the well, her heart pounding. The sky had darkened, and the soft glow of lanterns illuminated the courtyard. She had spent hours rehearsing the words in her head.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (15)
'Taehyung-ah, I… I think I love you.'
Would he laugh at her? Would he call her childish? Or maybe… just maybe, he felt the same?
Footsteps approached, steady and familiar. She turned, finding him walking toward her, hands in his pockets.
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
“Hana,” he called, flashing that carefree smile of his.
Her lips parted, but before she could speak, he beat her to it.
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
“I have something to tell you,” he said, excitement lighting up his eyes.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (15)
She took a deep breath. “Me too.”
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
“You first,” he insisted, shifting his bag from one shoulder to the other.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (15)
Hana hesitated. “No… you go ahead.”
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
Taehyung grinned. “Alright then.” He exhaled deeply, glancing up at the sky before looking back at her. “I’m leaving.”
The world around her stilled.
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
“I got accepted,” he continued, his voice filled with pride.
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
“Tomorrow, I leave for the city. I’ll be studying there for a few years, and after that… I’ve decided to enlist in the military.”
Her heart, which had been racing moments ago, suddenly felt unbearably still.
She wanted to scream, to beg him to stay, to tell him everything she had bottled up for years. But instead, she forced a smile, though it felt like a wound.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (15)
“That’s… that’s amazing, Taehyung-ah.”
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
“Right?” He grinned, oblivious to the war raging inside her.
Kim Taehyung (Tae) (19)
“It’ll be tough, but it’s what I want. What my father wants.”
Of course. What his father wants.
Just like her father wanted her to be a proper daughter. To grow up, get married, and bring honor to the family.
She had spent years longing for him, waiting for the right moment.
And just like that, the moment passed.
That night, as she watched him walk away, she realized something cruel.
Some feelings, no matter how deep, would never see the light of day.
And some loves were meant only to be mourned.
Author ♡
So how's the prologue?
Author ♡
Are you ready for this bittersweet journey of two cousins, who did exactly what was forbidden?
Author ♡
Vote and Comment.
Author ♡
Bye Bye Love you all..
INTRODUCTION
KIM NA-YOUNG
Age - 70
Elder of Kim Family.
Widow.
Strict and like everything to be done her way. Doesn't like her second daughter-in-law because she only gave birth to girls. She love Taehyung the most.
KIM SEOJOON
Age - 50
A farmer.
Elder son of Kim Na-young.
Just like his mother in nature.
Cold and rude towards his wife.
Just tolerate her because of his children.
Loves his sons the most.
KIM NARI
Age - 46
Wife of Kim Seojoon.
A housewife
Loves her sons more than her life.
She wants the best for them.
A little rude to the girls of the house.
Doesn't like her elder daughter-in-law because she can't be a mother.
KIM SEUNG-WOO (Dead)
Age - 41
Second son of Kim Na-Young.
KIM EUNJI
Age - 41
Wife of Kim Seungwoo.
Widow.
Loves her daughters but still can't take a stand for them in front of her mother-in-law.
Sweet and kind.
Wants the best for her daughters.
Still miss her husband who died 6 years ago.
KIM SEOKJIN
Age - 29
Help his father in the fields.
Son of Kim Seojoon.
Married to Kim Ji-won.
Want a child.
Is usually sweet with everyone except his wife.
Thinks he is stuck after marrying someone who can't even bear his children.
KIM JI-WON
Age - 21
Wife of Kim Seokjin.
A housewife.
Wanted to be a painter.
Loves her husband.
Spending a tough life with her in-laws.
Kind and sweet.
KIM TAEHYUNG
Age - 27
Son of Kim Seojoon.
A sergeant in the Military.
Lives in Seoul.
Lovely and a total sweetheart.
Loves his grandmother the most.
Is coming back home.
PARK SOYEON
Age - 25
Daughter of Kim Eunji
Married
A housewife
Has a daughter
PARK SE-JIN
Age - 31
Husband of Soyeon
Son-in-law of Kim Family
Work in a wine factory
Alcoholic
Was in love with someone else.
Loves his daughter.
PARK JIYA
Age - 4
Daughter of Se-jin and Soyeon
Daddy's princess
Loves her aunt Hana the most.
Is bubbly and cheerful.
Scared of her grandma Na-young.
KIM HANA
Age - 23
Daughter of Kim Eunji
A cheerful soul
Wants to be a writer
Loves books, Tteokbokki and Taehyung.
Waiting for Taehyung to return home eagerly.
KIM JI-SUNG
Age - 24
Son of Kim Seojoon
Runs a fruit shop
Loved by his mother the most
Sweet but have a mindset like his father and brother.
KIM MIRA
Age - 20
Daughter of Kim Eunji
Mischievous and a brat
Always gets in trouble because of her behavior
Likes to follow her elder sister Hana everywhere.
Author ♡
So this is the Introduction of the characters for now.
Author ♡
Tell me if there's any confusion. (you are asking like someone's reading this story, you idiot.)
CHAPTER 1
[KIM HOUSE]
Kims are not that rich, and you can say below average family, who just earns to eat.
The village stirred as the sun rose, casting a golden glow over the misty fields. Farmers led their oxen to the fields, while women cooked breakfast, the scent of rice and tea filling the air. By the stream, laughter echoed as villagers washed clothes, and children ran barefoot through the dewy grass, their giggles welcoming the morning.
In all this chaos a girl was sleeping soundly without any care in the world.
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
"Hana, wake up.. How long are you going to sleep girl. It's morning. " she said yanking the blanket away from her body.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Uff Eomeoni, let me sleep na.. I slept late last night please." she whined tugging on the blanket to cover herself again.
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
"What were you doing last night that you slept late?" she asked narrowing her eyes.
Hana's eyes widened, she quickly sat down removing the blanket from her body and looked at Nari with a nervous smile.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Nothing, Eomeoni. I am up." she said yawning and stood up.
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
"Hmm okay. Come to the kitchen before your halmeoni gets to know about you sleeping this late." she said leaving the room.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"But it's just 6 in the morning.." she mumbled and sat down on the make shift bed again.
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
"Don't sleep again. " she shouted.
Hana quickly folded the mattress and kept it inside the drawer and looked around seeing all her sister and cousin are already up. She sighed as she made her way towards her cousin, Ji-sung's bed which was left messed up on the floor and folded it and sat there for a moment staring out of the window.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
'It's been 8 years Taehyung.' she thought and rubbed her face to not focus on depressing thoughts.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Don't be this depressing Hana, it's a beautiful day, cheer up.." she motivated herself and made her way towards the hand pump outside their house to freshen up.
Hana, Mira and Jisung share the same room, Seokjin, Taehyung and Soyeon used to sleep in the same room as well when they were here. But after Seokjin's marriage they constructed another room for the couple's privacy. And Soyeon also got married.
Hana washed her face and went back inside to see Mira helping Ji-won in the kitchen.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Why do you guys wake up so early?" she asked yawing and leaning against the kitchen door.
Ji-won looked up and smiled at her.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Because unlike you, we don't want to get scolded by Grandma.." she said chuckling.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Ohh come on Ji-won.. She will scold you even if you don't do anything.." she whispered the last part.
Kim Mira (Hana's sister) (20)
"Uff don't listen to her Sae-eonni.." she rolled her eyes.
Kim Mira (Hana's sister) (20)
"She and Taehyung hyung are used to getting scolded by grandma, so it doesn't affect them anymore. But she is scary when she is angry so let's finish the work before she comes here." Mira said and Hana just chuckled.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Ohh well there's no lie.. and you know Ji-won, I am planning to not get scolded by her anymore so I am not going to get permission for someone to go to Yuna's wedding." She said nonchalantly, picking up an almond and eating it.
Kim Mira (Hana's sister) (20)
"Ohh no no noona, I am sorry. I was just joking. Please." she exclaimed hurriedly.
Hana laughed along with Ji-won.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Go rest I will do the rest of the cooking." she said taking the vegetables and bowl from Mira's hand.
Kim Mira (Hana's sister) (20)
"Ohh thank you.. I love you.." she said and kissed her cheeks.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Yeah yeah.."
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"What are we cooking today?" she asked looking at the variety of vegetables in front of her.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Bokkeumbap, Kimchi Jjigae and Bibimbap.." she replied.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Why three dishes?"
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Well, your brother wants to eat Bibimbap and Appa said he would like to have Kimchi Jjigae and Jisung was sulking saying it's been long since he has eaten Bokkeumbap.. So grandma said to make these for breakfast today." She replied.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"What about us? " she asked.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"What about us?" she asked back.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Nothing" she replied and focused on cutting the vegetables.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Finally, it's done. I was worried that we would not be done on time." she sighed wiping her sweat in a kerchief.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"What are you thinking, unnie?" she asked looking at Hana who was busy staring in. space.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Actually I am going to cook some Tteokguk, want me to make some for you as well?" she asked taking out the ingredients.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Unnie, grandma will be angry if she gets to know that you cooked something without her permission. We are running low on food this month." she said quickly.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"So what? We aren't running low for the men? Come on, don't worry she will not say anything to you. Tell me you want some?" she asked again.
Ji-won bit her lips, contemplating.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Okay.." she replied.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Want me to help you?" she asked.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"No it's already 8, go and wake up your husband." she teased.
Ji-won didn't say anything and left from there to her room, but Hana can clearly see the blush coating her cheeks. Hana smiled at her expression and focused on cooking something for herself.
Bokkeumbap (Korean Fried Rice) – A savory, umami-rich dish made with stir-fried rice, vegetables, and protein like kimchi, chicken, or shrimp. It has a smoky depth from soy sauce and sesame oil, with a fried egg adding creaminess.
Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl) – A colorful dish of steamed rice topped with sautéed vegetables, protein, a fried egg, and gochujang (spicy red chili paste). Mixing it all together creates a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with a nutty sesame aroma.
Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) – A bold and hearty stew with aged kimchi, pork or tofu, garlic, and red pepper flakes simmered in a rich, spicy broth. The tangy, umami-packed flavors deepen with every bite, making it a comforting classic.
Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup) – A light yet flavorful soup made with sliced rice cakes in a clear, savory broth of beef or anchovies. The chewy rice cakes and delicate egg ribbons make it both soothing and symbolic of good fortune, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day
All the men are present in the dining hall and Mira was also sitting with them.
Nari, Hana and Ji-won are in the kitchen serving the food in the bowl and keeping it at the table.
Kim Seojoon (Tae's father)
"Woah.. smells good." he said inhaling the delicious aroma of his Kimchi Jjigae.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Ji-won made it, she really has magic in her hands." she said quickly smiling at the aforementioned girl.
Kim Seojoon (Tae's father)
"Hmm.." he just hummed and focused on his food.
Jiwon then served her husband, Seokjin, and Hana helped Ji-sung to carefully fill his plate with Bokkeumbap.
Then the women served themselves, and Mira helped her grandma to take some Kimchi Jjigae along with a little portion of Bokkeumbap.
Hana kept her bowl of Tteokguk on the table and served some in Ji-won's plate.
That's when Nari noticed her food.
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
"Tteokguk? I thought there were only three dishes for breakfast, no?" she asked.
Hana gulped her food and looked at her Eomeoni with a nervous smile.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"I wanted to eat it. So.."
Kim Na-young (grandma)
"Even though you know that we are running low on food this month?" she asked.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"Ahh.. Halmeoni.. I was really craving it, I didn't make much just a bowl." she said showing the bowl to her.
Kim Nari (Tae's mother)
"It's okay Eomma.. let her eat. She rarely cooks something of her choice." she said a little nervously.
Kim Na-young (grandma)
"You are spoiling her too much, what will she do after going to another house after marriage?" she rolled her eyes.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"I will be here, even after marriage, huh.." she whispered lowly biting back a shy smile.
Kim Na-young (grandma)
"Did you say anything?" she asked.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"No.." she shook her head.
Kim Na-young (grandma)
"Give me some Tteokguk as well." she said and took the bowl of Hana.
She took a generous amount and left a little for her.
Kim Na-young (grandma)
"Girls should eat less, see you are getting fat." she said.
Hana just rolled her eyes and ate the food and left from there before anyone.
Ji-won looked at her sadly and then back to her bowl.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"I am done." she said and stood up as well taking her bowl with her.
She went to Hana who was taking out food on a plate for her mother.
Kim Ji-won (20) (Seokjin's wife)
"Here, you can have this.." she said forwarding her bowl.
Kim Hana (Hanni) (23)
"It's okay, Ji-won.. you eat, I will make myself another bowl later." she winked at her.
Hana said and made her way towards a little hut in the corner of their land where her mother lives alone.
Author ♡
Hey, how are you all?
Author ♡
Hope you guys liked the chapter?
Author ♡
Taehyung's entry is in the next chapter.
Author ♡
Do vote and comment.
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