After becoming Doo Joon’s girlfriend, Ri Ah started becoming more social. He introduced her to his friends, who all knew of her, but didn’t really know her. From the practice conversations she had with Doo Joon, Ri Ah was soon able to open up to more people her age and they all found her to be a quirky yet adorable person, always being polite in the way she spoke and addressed people.

“If I had known this was what she was like, I would have tried pursuing her myself,” Jae Min said to Doo Joon as Ri Ah happily chatted with her new friends.

“Yah, that’s not something you tell her boyfriend,” Doo Joon said with a slightly threatening look.

Jae Min chuckled. “Sorry, but you should take it as a compliment. You were able to make her open up and she looks really happy now.”

“Yeah,” Doo Joon agreed as he smiled at Ri Ah affectionately.

Doo Joon and Ri Ah hadn’t been going out for long when Ri Ah’s father confronted her about him one day at dinner.

“Ri Ah, I hear that you’re dating someone,” he said sternly.

“Yes, I am,” Ri Ah answered nervously.

“You didn’t think to tell me?” her father asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to keep it from you,” Ri Ah answered, her head hanging low.

Mr. Lee softened at seeing her daughter so apologetic. He sighed. “Why don’t you invite him over for dinner? I want to meet him and make sure he’s suitable enough to be dating my daughter.”

“Okay,” Ri Ah answered with an excited smile.

Doo Joon nervously sat on his knees in front of Mr. Lee’s intense glare.

“So, you’re Song Ho Jin’s grandson.”

“Yes sir. I’m Yoon Doo Joon,” he nervously answered.

“What year are you?”

“A junior.”

“Hmm, one year older than Ri Ah. So tell me, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, how far have you gotten with her and how far do you think you’re going to get?”

Doo Joon was stumped at his question. “Uh, w-we’ve only kissed.”

“Only? You’ve already kissed my daughter?” he asked, raising his voice.

“I’m sorry, sir,” Doo Joon said as he bowed his head.

Mr. Lee’s lips curved into a small smile at seeing Doo Joon’s reaction but he quickly regained his stern face. “And how far do you expect to get with her?”

“Uh…um…I…” Doo Joon was lost for words. He didn’t know how to answer this sensitive question.

“Let me answer for you. My daughter is an innocent flower, and I want her to stay that way until I walk her down the aisle. Do you understand what I’m talking about?” he asked with a threatening look.

“Y-yes, sir,” Doo Joon managed to stutter.

“Good. Now how about we have some dinner?” he asked with a smile.

Mr. Lee got up and opened his bedroom door.  Ri Ah fell down onto the floor in front of him. She gulped and quickly stood up, flustered. She had been sitting against the door, trying to listen to their conversation but unable to catch any of it. She glanced at Doo Joon and was relieved to see that he was still in one piece, though his forehead was glistening a little from sweat.

“Don’t worry. I didn’t harm him in any way,” Mr. Lee reassured her daughter. “Is dinner ready? I’m hungry,” he said heartily as he rubbed his stomach.

“Yes, father,” she answered. She glanced at Doo Joon once more before going out to set up dinner with her mother.

Dinner was less stressful than the pre-talk Doo Joon had with Ri Ah’s father. There was much laughter as the Lee family and Doo Joon happily chatted.

After dinner, Ri Ah was helping her mother wash the dishes and Mr. Lee took this chance to talk privately with Doo Joon once again.

“Thank you, son,” he said to him with a sincere smile.

“What for sir?”

“For helping my Ri Ah. I’ve noticed that she’s become more open and has finally made friends at school. I know this is your doing.”

“Actually Ri Ah is a really likeable person. All I did was to help her realize that,” he answered modestly.

“Still, I’m thankful that you came into her life,” he said as he patted his shoulder. “But, if you harm her in any way, just remember that I am one of the best fish skinners in this town and probably in the whole area,” he said with a look of warning in his eyes.

Doo Joon gulped. “Of course sir. I’ll make sure to never forget that.”

“Appa, what are you talking about with Doo Joon Oppa?” Ri Ah asked from behind when she was done helping her mom.

“Just telling Doo Joon about my fishing skills,” her father answered with a smile.

Author's Note

Doo Joon Oppa, Ri Ah's dad is a little scary isn't he? But he's only like that because he loves his one and only daughter. At least he gave you permission to date, though, right? Lol, better keep your hands to yourself Doo Joon or Mr. Lee is going to come after you with his fish carving knife! - 7/9/12 9:35 PM