Chapter Text
“Geonbae! ”
The resounding clink of glasses filled the room as the three ahjummas of Ssangmundong made a toast before promptly downing their shots of soju. It was a snowy winter evening in Seoul, and the three neighbors decided to pass the night the usual way: through drinking and gossiping.
“Never in a million years did I think this would happen,” disbelief clouded Il Hwa’s voice as she eyed her drinking companions, “to think that my two daughters would end up marrying into your families.”
“You should be thankful, Bora-eomma.” Sun Young said, taking a mouthful of kimchi pancake. “We practically saw your kids grow up. We've treated them like our own long before they married our kids.”
“That’s right. And don’t forget about my husband,” Ra Mi Ran downed another shot of soju, her face twisting into a grimace as the liquor set in. “You wouldn’t believe how excited he gets each time Deok Sun visits our home. Can’t even wipe that smile off his face for days. Aigoo, by the way he acts you would think Deok Sun is our real child and Jung Hwan is our son-in-law," she tutted.
The ladies erupted in laughter. “You can’t blame him,” Sun Young quipped. “Didn’t he always wanted a daughter? Plus he's always been fond of Deok Sun, so it's like winning the lottery for him.”
Mi Ran nodded her head. “That's true. He would always look at your families with envy and complain to me how much he wanted a daughter.” She ate a piece of pickled radish and continued, “Now that he got Deok Sun as his daughter-in-law, he’s just so happy all the time that it's annoying. And don't even get me started with his jokes." The Cheetah of Ssangmundong pointedly looked at Il Hwa, her voice laced with affection, “So, Deok Sun-eomma, never worry about your daughter with us.”
Il Hwa chuckled, grateful for Mi Ran's assurance. She then turned to Sun Young, her voice a little pensive. “How about Bo Ra-ah? Is she getting along with Taekkie? With Jin Ju?”
“Taekkie will always be scared of her, but he knows her well enough to see that she's not mean-hearted.” Sun Woo-eomma laughed, “And Jin Ju’s still a bit scared, but she’ll gradually warm up to her.”
Il Hwa breathed a sigh of relief. “I’m glad. I didn’t worry much about Deok Sun since she is loved by just about everybody. My eldest, on the other hand…”
Sun Young elbowed her playfully. “Didn’t I tell you during the wedding not to worry too much? I’ll take care of her, Bora-eomma. She’s as welcome to our family as one could possibly be.”
Il Hwa smiled warmly at the two women, who to her were more sisters than neighbors. She sniffled a little, batting away the slight tears that followed. “I guess I really shouldn’t worry too much about my daughters. They became part of good families—the best families that I know.” She then picked up the bottle of soju and poured over their glasses. “After all, I’ve been drinking with their mother-in-laws for more than 20 years already.”
“And we’ll be drinking for many more,” Sun Young laughed, “now as family!”
“No, Sun Woo-eomma, we've always been family,” Ra Mi Ran said, raising her glass to her companions, “and we will always be.”
The two ladies nodded in agreement and raised their glasses to toast.