Page 5 of Gumiho Kiss
“She was feeling unwell, Uncle.Please don’t hold it against her.”Chin Sun’s voice was smooth, calm.The result of years spent lying for her irresponsible cousin.
When the girls had been younger, Uncle had been much more easily fooled by Chin Sun’s excuses.Now, he saw them for the falsehoods they were.
“Sang Mi cannot hide behind you forever, Chin Sun.”
She dipped her head.“You’re right, Samchon.I apologize for misleading you.”
When he dropped the subject, Chin Sun took a sip of tea, glad he had been so easily placated.He must have been feeling generous because of Young Master Kang’s visit.
It wasn’t completely appropriate for him to be coming to his betrothed’s home.He should have been waiting to meet Chin Sun at their wedding.His desire to come early suggested great eagerness—or that something was very wrong.
Sang Mi’s arrival at the table was far less frazzled than when she’d departed Chin Sun’s quarters.She carried herself with dignity, but she tucked her chin too tightly as she bowed, betraying her nervousness.
Uncle was an understanding man, but even the most understanding of men required order in their household.“Such tardiness is not befitting of a woman of your station.Do not disappoint me again, Sang Mi-yah.”
“I understand, Father.”Sang Mi didn’t look up, but the shame billowing off her was palpable.
Maybe it would be enough to help her change this time.Uncle was right.A sapling couldn’t grow if it forever lived in the shade.
“Then do your father a favor and let me see your lovely face.”Uncle’s tone was softer now, and when Sang Mi raised her head, his eyes twinkled with affection.For all his efforts to be stern, Samchon had a soft spot for Sang Mi.He couldn’t help it any more than Chin Sun could.
Sang Mi’s mouth spread into a relieved smile, and she sat down next to her brother just as a servant shuffled into the room, head low.He stopped at Uncle’s side and bowed.“Young Master Kang is here.”
“Excellent.Send him in.”
Kang Dol Sam stepped through the doorway, his floral green robes spotless as always.An elegant strand of beads hung from his wide-brimmed hat, symbols of his wealth and social status.He walked over to Uncle stiffly but with purpose, and before Samchon could stand, Young Master Kang bowed, much deeper than rank required.“Lord Lee.”
Uncle leaped to his feet and bowed in return.“Please do not be so formal, nauri.After all, we’re soon to be family.”
Kang Dol Sam lifted his head, eyes guarded.His gaze snapped to Chin Sun, then back to Uncle.“As the guardian of my future bride, you are worthy of the highest respect.”
Sang Mi giggled, earning a hard look from Chin Sun.Sang Ook glanced between the two of them, face riddled with confusion.
Uncle pointedly ignored the girls’ exchange and nodded to Young Master Kang.“Please have a seat.”He gestured to the one remaining spot, the place of honor at his right hand.
Once a servant had given the family’s guest refreshments, Sang Mi asked, “Did you hear about what happened the other night?”
“Daughter,” Uncle warned, “you know we don’t discuss him in this home.”
Young Master Kang tugged at his ear, then brought his hand into his lap.“I did hear about Gwishin, if that’s whom you’re referring to.”He took a sip of barley tea.
Chin Sun was fairly good at reading people, but the man’s vague response and the way his gaze darted about the room were concerning.Something was clearly on his mind.
Was he uncertain about this union?Kang Dol Sam’s father had been the one to reach out to make the arrangements, as was customary.Perhaps Young Master Kang wasn’t as keen on the match.
Did he already have someone in his heart?Or did he despise Chin Sun for being an orphan?
Her lack of parents was a slight some families would be opposed to, and, as a child, she had once asked her uncle if anyone would want her as a wife when she was a flower without roots.
“A peony among weeds,” Samchon had said, “is no less a flower just because it does not grow in a garden.”
“Does that make your home the weeds?”she’d asked with a smirk.
Uncle’s boisterous laugh had filled the room, casting the anxiety from her young heart.She’d not known then of her gumiho heritage; otherwise she would not have been so easily comforted.Even so, Chin Sun clung to the warmth she’d felt then, wielding it as a shield against the doubts pricking at her mind.
Perhaps the food didn’t suit him.Young Master Kangwaspicking at his greens as if he were displeased.Chin Sun grabbed her chopsticks and took a bite of hers.Her lips lifted instinctively.Na Ri had truly outdone herself this time.Hmm ...
Chin Sun tried to meet Young Master Kang’s gaze, but he seemed determined to look everywhere else.Finally, she said in a demure voice, “I hope the meal is to your liking.”
