Page 47 of From Paris to Seoul (K-Drama Love Story #2)

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Seo-yeon

Should I go to Japan with Baekhyun?

That was the million-dollar question, and I couldn’t stop turning it over in my head.

It sounded crazy. Just a few months ago, I wouldn’t have even considered it. Back then, I was ready to marry my ex and spend the rest of my life with him—even though I already knew we don’t belong together.

If I go with Baekhyun… what would people say? Living together before marriage? What would his colleagues think? Those A-list actors? The industry was small, and even the tiniest rumor could spiral into a scandal. Anything remotely controversial had to be avoided at all costs.

And then, of course… my parents. They’d never forgive me once they found out.

But then again… I’m not an actress anymore. Not even a model. No projects, no agency, nothing tying me down.

So why should I care? I’m an adult, after all—old enough to make my own choices. And isn’t it time I started living life on my own terms?

But Baekhyun and I—what exactly are we? Had we even been on a proper date in Korea? Aside from that night at his place… where I also met his entire family?

I sighed, pacing restlessly around my room.

Japan isn’t even that far—just a few hours by plane or even a ferry ride from Fukuoka to Busan. I can visit my grandparents. It’s been ages since I last saw them.

So, it’s not like I’m disappearing forever. But still, packing up and leaving like this… it feels huge.

Am I really ready for this?

I need to clear my head, to sort through everything swirling in my mind. So, when Baekhyun texts me later that day, I figure meeting him and talking things through might help.

Funny—this might actually be our first real date.

I arrived at the charming café at the time we had agreed on and spotted him already seated at a table.

The café was decorated with vintage ornaments—a phonograph sat in the corner beside large bookshelves—and it was pleasantly uncrowded, a big plus for us.

Even though we were just minor actors, there were still times when people recognized us in public, and the last thing I needed right now was a scandal or rumors.

Baekhyun looked more exhausted than usual—his hair slightly messy, faint shadows under his eyes.

“What’s going on?” I asked as I sat down.

He let out a slow breath and said simply, “Met my dad.”

I blinked. “You did?”

“Yeah.” Baekhyun leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a long moment before looking back at me.

“It was… weird,” he finally said. “Weird to see him after almost twenty years. I don’t even know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that.”

I stayed quiet, giving him space to say as much or as little as he wanted.

“He told me he had a huge debt. Borrowed money from the wrong people, left because he thought it was the only way to protect us.” He let out a dry, humorless laugh, shaking his head slightly. “I don’t know if I believe that.”

“Have you told your mom? Or Ye-bin?” I asked gently.

He exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck, and nodded. “Yes… but I don’t know if I should.”

A beat of silence. I reached for his hand, giving it a small squeeze. He squeezed back but didn’t say anything.

Guilt pricked at my chest. I was the one who started this. The one who gave him his father’s whereabouts, thinking it was something he needed.

But now, looking at him—at the way he seemed torn between anger and something deeper, something I couldn’t quite name—I wondered if I had done the right thing.

“I’m sorry,” I said at last. “I shouldn’t have…”

“No.” He cut me off, his voice firm yet gentle. “Thank you.”

He met my gaze, and for the first time, there was a quiet sincerity in his eyes—a steadiness that hadn’t been there before.

“I don’t think I’d forgive myself if I never saw him again… It’s just—” He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Family is complicated, you know?”

I nodded. I did know. It reminded me of my own situation at home.

A small pause, and then he continued, “Also, my mom decided to move to the village with Auntie. She’s closing down the restaurant.”

I looked at him, surprised. “Oh, really? Then… where will you and Ye-bin live?”

“I’m looking for an apartment in Seoul for Ye-bin, but it’s not easy,” he said with a weary smile. “But we finally found one. Today we visited six apartments, and one in a good area accepted my deposit, so she’s all set.”

He continued, “And I’ll figure out my own place when I get back from Japan.”

Right. Japan.

Only a few more days before he left for Japan, and I still hadn’t made up my mind.

He hadn’t brought up his offer again, and I had a feeling he was holding back—afraid of pushing me too hard.

“Ah… how about your preparations for Japan?” I asked, avoiding the real question lingering between us.

He took a sip of his coffee before nodding. “Going well. My visa’s issued. I started packing, and I’ll be shipping some of my stuff over soon.”

He said it casually, like it was nothing. But something in the way he spoke made me wonder if he was waiting—hoping—that I’d give him an answer before he left.

Under the table, he took my hand and gave me a small smile. “Seo-yeon, whatever happens in the next six months, I want to try with you. I want to give my all to this. I just want you to know that whatever decision you make, we can make this work.”

His words touched me, and I couldn’t find the right words to reply. So instead, I just squeezed his hand back.

I really don’t want him to go.

“I might not be able to reply to your texts right away… The PD said the schedule is going to be packed, especially with all the outdoor action scenes. But I promise, I’ll text and call you as much as I can.”

He watched me, waiting. I felt the weight of his words, the quiet hope in his voice.

I swirled my coffee, stalling for time. Then, with a small smile, I looked up and said, “You know, I still can’t believe you’re actually leaving. Have you figured out where you’ll be staying in Japan yet?”

Baekhyun studied me for a second, as if trying to decide whether to push for a real answer. But then, he let out a quiet chuckle, knowing exactly that I was dodging the real question.

I just raised a brow, waiting for him to answer. He sighed, playing along. “Yeah, the film crew helped me find a place in Fukuoka. Nothing fancy, but practical. I might have to travel to rural areas sometimes, so I’ll probably be staying in rental lodgings or whatever the production team arranges.”

The conversation shifted, but the unspoken questions still lingered between us.

***

Back home, I had to deal with my own family. And unsurprisingly, it didn’t go well.

“So, what’s your plan? You’ve been cooped up at home all day, playing the piano… it’s been months,” my mom sighed over dinner from across the table.

I exhaled, already exhausted before the argument had even fully started. “Can you just give me a little space—”

“And you’re not with Min-seok anymore, are you?” she cut me off. “Fine. That’s your choice. But what now?”

My dad, who had been quiet, finally spoke. “Your mom’s right, Seo-yeon. You’re not getting any younger. And you too, Yae-rin. I have a friend whose son—”

“Why am I being dragged into this?” Yae-rin protested mid-bite.

“Actually, yes.” My mom looked dead serious. “Mr. Kang’s younger son just got back from the States—”

“Oh my god,” I groaned. “Please, stop talking.”

Everyone at the table froze, staring at me, mouths slightly open. I had always been the obedient child—the one who never caused trouble, the one who rarely spoke up or raised her voice. Tonight, I must’ve seemed completely out of character for them.

“Seo-yeon… you…” My mom looked so stunned she couldn’t even finish her sentence.

“I don’t want to date anyone, okay? Did you ever think about that, Mom? Have you even once asked me how I feel?”

They continued to stare at me like I had suddenly sprouted two heads. But the dam had been broken. I’d been quiet for far too long.

Then my mom squinted her eyes, as if sensing something. “Ah,” she said, as if she had a sudden realization. “You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”

I took a deep breath, trying to summon patience, but the thread was getting too thin. I felt like I was about to burst. I wanted to scream, yell at the top of my lungs.

Yae-rin set her spoon down with a sharp clink. “Mom, Dad, come on. Just let her be.”

I turned to look at her, feeling a rush of gratitude. Even though she was practically groomed to take over the family business while I was off chasing my dreams, she always had my back.

But my mom wasn’t having it. “And you think you’re any better?” Mom retorted at Yae-rin before turning to me. “Who is this guy?”

“Mom, please.” Yae-rin shot back, her tone just as sharp. “You always push her around.”

The argument spiraled from there. Voices grew louder, my dad tried to step in, his tone suddenly firm but calm. “Enough,” he said, his voice carrying weight. “This isn’t helping anyone.”

My mom refused to back down. “This isn’t about me pushing her—”

And then I snapped.

I shot up from my seat, tears welling in my eyes, and stormed to my room. I yanked my suitcase out of the closet and began throwing clothes into it without thinking. I wasn’t even paying attention to what I was packing; I just needed to do something—anything—to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

A few minutes later, Yae-rin appeared in my doorway, arms crossed. “So that’s it? You’re just going to run away again?”

I zipped up my bag, my heart still pounding. “I’m not running.”

She gave me a knowing look. “Aren’t you?”

I hesitated, gripping the handle of my suitcase a little tighter. “I’ve made up my mind.”

Yae-rin sighed, stepping into the room. “Have you even thought this through?”

I sat down on the edge of my bed, suddenly feeling drained. “I have,” I muttered. “Kind of. I’m going to join him. In Japan.”

She paused, her expression softening slightly. “So, you’re leaving.”