Better Together (Taegguk) 07

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But soon, the conversation shifted, as Taeyeon gently steered it toward the topic she had come to discuss.

Taeyeon

Mom, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something important.

She said, her tone growing more serious. Mrs. Kim, who had been bouncing Minseo lightly in her arms, looked up, sensing the shift in her daughter’s voice.

Mrs Kim

Oh? What is it, dear?

She asked, though a part of her already knew what was coming. Taeyeon glanced at Seokjin, who gave her an encouraging nod, before she continued.

Taeyeon

It’s about Taehyung. He called me last night, and he seemed really upset about the marriage proposal.

Taeyeon

I know you and dad think it’s a good idea, but... he’s not ready, mom. He doesn’t want to get married right now.

Mrs. Kim’s smile faded slightly, and she sighed, handing Minseo back to Taeyeon before sitting up straighter.

Mrs Kim

Taeyeon, I understand that he’s upset, but your father and I are only thinking of his future. He’s already 24.

Mrs Kim

He can’t keep putting off marriage forever.

Mrs Kim

This proposal from the Han family is a good match. Haejun is a respectable young man from a good family. It’s not something to be taken lightly.

Taeyeon frowned, gently rocking Minseo as she spoke.

Taeyeon

I know you mean well, but you can’t force Taehyung into something he doesn’t want.

Taeyeon

He loves his job, and he’s still figuring things out. If you push him into this marriage, he’ll resent it—and he’ll resent you and dad too.

Seokjin, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up, his tone calm but firm.

Kim SeokJin

Taehyung needs time, mom. He’s not ready for this, and we should respect that.

Kim SeokJin

You’ve always given us the freedom to make our own choices. Why can’t we extend that same courtesy to Taehyung?

Mrs. Kim sighed again, looking conflicted. She loved her children deeply, but the thought of Taehyung being unmarried while her husband’s health declined weighed heavily on her.

Mrs Kim

You both make valid points. But your father’s health isn’t what it used to be.

Mrs Kim

We just want to see Taehyung settled before... before anything happens. Your father worries about him, and this proposal seems like the perfect opportunity.

Taeyeon reached out, placing a hand on her mother’s.

Taeyeon

Mom, Taehyung’s happiness should come first. If he’s not happy with this marriage, then it’s not the perfect opportunity.

Taeyeon

Please, just talk to him. Listen to what he wants. Forcing him will only drive a wedge between him and the family.

Mrs. Kim’s face softened at her daughter’s words. She looked down at her lap, clearly torn between her duty as a mother and her desire to follow tradition and ensure her son’s future.

Mrs Kim

I just want what’s best for him.

Seokjin smiled gently, reaching across to place a reassuring hand on her arm.

Kim SeokJin

We all do, mom. And what’s best for him right now is to give him the space to make his own decisions.

Mrs. Kim sat in silence for a moment, absorbing their words. She knew they were right—deep down, she had always known Taehyung was different, more independent.

But letting go of her traditional expectations was harder than she thought. Finally, she nodded slowly.

Mrs Kim

I’ll talk to him. I’ll listen. But... I just hope he knows we’re doing this out of love, not to control him.

Taeyeon smiled, relief washing over her.

Taeyeon

He knows, mom. He knows you love him. But sometimes love means giving him the freedom to make his own path.

As the conversation drew to a close, the sound of laughter filled the room once again as Mina and Seojun ran through the house, their playful shouts bringing a sense of lightness to the air. Mrs. Kim looked at her grandchildren, and a small smile returned to her face.

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