Over the Smokes

"Mi-young, perhaps it's best if we refrain from discussing this matter with Eun-tae for now," Ji-hoon exchanged a knowing glance with Ming-young before speaking up.

"Ji-hoon, I appreciate your perspective, but I cannot simply stand by and watch him make the same mistakes we did. Marrying late and sacrificing personal happiness for the company's sake," Ming-young's eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion.

"I understand your worries, Mi-young, but Eun-tae is not us," Ji-hoon said calmly, trying to ease her concern. "He's a different individual with his path to navigate."

"But Ji-hoon, we know firsthand the consequences of prioritizing work over everything else. He's young, and he needs guidance," Ming-young's tone sharpened as she leaned in, her eyes fixed on Eun-tae.

"And he has that guidance, Mi-young. We've raised him well, and he's proven himself capable time and again. Trust him to make the right choices," Ji-hoon held her gaze, his voice steady.

"Trust is one thing, Ji-hoon. But being a mother, I know the importance of steering him in the right direction," Ming-young's frustration was evident as she retorted,

"Fine, Mi-young. I understand your concerns. Let me talk to him privately, and share our thoughts and worries. I promise you, I'll do my best to guide him," Ji-hoon's expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"You've always been the one he's closest to, Ji-hoon. If anyone can get through to him, I know it's you," Ming-young's gaze softened as she looked at Ji-hoon, a mix of gratitude and concern still lingering in her eyes.

"Well, I'll have to do my best don't I?" Ji-hoon offered a reassuring smile. "Just focus on enjoying this dinner together tonight, okay? I'll handle the rest."

"Thank you, Ji-hoon. I appreciate your willingness to help," Ming-young nodded, a sense of relief washing over her.

"Of course, Mi-young. A family looks out for each other," Ji-hoon said with a warm smile.

As Eun-tae stood lost in thought, a familiar voice broke through the silence, pulling him from his reverie.

"Mind if I join you?"

Eun-tae turned to see his Uncle Ji-hoon approaching, a cigarette in hand, his demeanour relaxed and approachable. Eun-tae offered a nod, gesturing for his uncle to take a place beside him.

"Your mother seems quite persistent about this marriage topic," Ji-hoon said with a knowing smile as he lit his cigarette, the flame illuminating his face momentarily. He took a casual drag before exhaling a plume of smoke into the night air.

"You've noticed too, I see," Eun-tae let out a resigned chuckle.

Ji-hoon offered the pack of cigarettes to Eun-tae, who shook his head with a polite decline. With a shrug, Ji-hoon tucked the pack back into his pocket and leaned against the stone railing, taking another leisurely drag.

"Your mother means well, you know. But sometimes her concerns can be a bit... overwhelming," Ji-hoon nodded, his gaze fixed on the moonlit garden.

"Overwhelming is an understatement," Eun-tae glanced at his uncle, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The moonlight cast a soft glow on their faces, creating a sense of intimacy in their conversation.

"I had a feeling you might feel that way. She's worried about you, Eun-tae. She doesn't want you to end up like us," Ji-hoon chuckled softly, the cigarette glowing brightly in the darkness.

"Like you, what she meant?" Eun-tae's expression grew contemplative.

"Yeah, like me. Mid-fifties and still single. Your father and mother are lucky to have gotten married," Ji-hoon clarified, taking another drag from his cigarette. "We've been so consumed by work, by building InnoArtTech, that we let other aspects of our lives slip through the cracks. Your mother worries that you'll follow in our footsteps and regret it later."

Eun-tae's gaze dropped to the ground, his thoughts swirling with a mixture of understanding and frustration. He knew his family's history, knew the sacrifices they had made to build the company. And yet, he couldn't help but feel the weight of their expectations pressing down on him.

"It's not that I don't understand where she's coming from," Eun-tae began, his tone tinged with a hint of exasperation. "But I can't just conform to societal norms for the sake of it. Marriage is a significant decision, one that shouldn't be taken lightly."

"You're right, Eun-tae. Marriage is a deeply personal choice, and it should be made on your terms. Your mother just wants you to find happiness, and sometimes she expresses it in her way," Ji-hoon nodded in agreement, his cigarette casting a soft ember glow in the night.

"I know," Eun-tae sighed. "But it feels like she's fixated on this one aspect of my life as if everything else I've accomplished is overshadowed by my relationship status."

"Your achievements speak for themselves, Eun-tae. You've proven time and again that you're more than capable, both in business and in life. And you have my full support in whatever path you choose," Ji-hoon placed a reassuring hand on Eun-tae's shoulder, his cigarette endlessly poised in the other.

"Thanks, Uncle. Your understanding means a lot to me," Eun-tae glanced at his uncle, a small smile playing on his lips.

"You've always been like a son I never had, Eun-tae. And as your uncle, I must ensure your happiness and well-being," Ji-hoon returned the smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of camaraderie and genuine care.

Eun-tae's gaze returned to the moonlit garden, a sense of gratitude washing over him. In Ji-hoon, he had found a confidant, someone who understood the complexities of his situation and respected his choices. The quiet companionship they shared, with cigarettes in hand and unspoken understanding, spoke volumes about their relationship.

"You know," Ji-hoon said after a moment, taking another drag from his cigarette, "sometimes a heart-to-heart conversation can go a long way in easing misunderstandings."

"Are you suggesting that you're going to have a talk with me about marriage?" Eun-tae chuckled softly, the tension that had been building within him finally dissipating.

"Well, I may have offered to have a chat with your mother on your behalf," Ji-hoon grinned, releasing a puff of smoke into the night air.

"You're something else, Uncle Ji-hoon," Eun-tae laughed wholeheartedly, the camaraderie between them evident in their shared amusement.

"Someone has to keep your mother in check," Ji-hoon quipped, his eyes twinkling with mischief and warmth.

As Eun-tae and his uncle shared a moment of levity, the moon continued to cast its gentle glow over the garden, a silent witness to the bonds of family and the unspoken understanding between generations. In Ji-hoon, Eun-tae had not only found a mentor but a confidant who could offer guidance and support as he navigated the intricate tapestry of his life's choices.

"Actually, Uncle," Eun-tae began, his voice laced with a mixture of exasperation and determination, "I need your help with something."

"Of course, Eun-tae. You know I'm always here for you. What's on your mind?" Ji-hoon raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the seriousness in his nephew's tone.

"It's about Mother," Eun-tae sighed, casting a glance towards the dining room where Ming-young was engaged in animated conversation. "She won't stop insisting on me getting married. Every time we talk, it's the same conversation over and over again."

"Ah, I see. The marriage talk, huh?" Ji-hoon's lips curved into a knowing smile.

"Yes," Eun-tae nodded, a hint of frustration creeping into his expression. "I respect her concern, but I need her to understand that I have my path to follow."

"You want me to help you put an end to the marriage discussions?" Ji-hoon took a thoughtful drag from his cigarette, his gaze fixed on the moonlit garden.

"Exactly. I know you have a way with words, Uncle. If anyone can make her see things differently, it's you," Eun-tae nodded again.

"Aha. You give me too much credit, Eun-tae," Ji-hoon chuckled softly. "But I do have an idea."

"What's your idea?" Eun-tae's curiosity was piqued.

"I'll handle it, but with one condition," Ji-hoon's eyes twinkled with mischief.

"And what's that?" Eun-tae raised an eyebrow.

"You can't get mad at whatever method I use," Ji-hoon replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "Trust me on this, Eun-tae. Sometimes a little unconventional approach is all it takes to make a point."

"You want me to trust you without even knowing what you're planning?" Eun-tae regarded his Uncle sceptically.

"Sometimes, a bit of mystery adds to the intrigue. Can I count on you?" Ji-hoon nodded, his expression earnest.

"Alright, Uncle. You have a deal. But remember, I can't promise I won't be a little annoyed," Eun-tae hesitated for a moment before finally giving in.

"Fair enough, Eun-tae. Just remember, it's all in good fun," Ji-hoon laughed heartily.

As they shared a knowing smile, Eun-tae felt a sense of relief wash over him. With Ji-hoon on his side and a plan in motion, maybe, just maybe, he could finally put an end to the endless marriage discussions with his mother. Under the moonlit sky, their bond as uncle and nephews grew stronger, united by a shared goal and a promise of an unconventional solution.