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MidReal Story
My Daddy's Darling
Scenario:Sixteen-year-old Eunchae has always struggled with social anxiety, autism, and a form of mutism that makes it difficult for her to communicate with new people or in stressful situations. She has already met Jihyun, her father's new girlfriend, but the thought of meeting Jihyun's daughter, Yunjin, fills her with dread.
Eunchae's father, who has been growing increasingly frustrated with his daughter's social anxiety, decides that it's time for the two to meet. He organizes a family dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant near Yunjin's apartment.
As they walk into the restaurant, Eunchae's heart races, and she starts to scratch her hand, a nervous habit she has developed over the years. She tries to avoid making eye contact with Yunjin, who is striking with her ginger hair and stylish yet comfortable styling.
At first, Eunchae is very shy and barely says a word. Her father, who has reached the end of his patience, snaps at her, telling her to "just try to be normal for once." The comment stings, and Eunchae feels tears prick at the corners of her eyes.
But then Yunjin, who has been watching the exchange with a concerned expression, steps in. She gently takes Eunchae's hand, stopping her nervous scratching, and asks if she would like to go outside for a walk to calm down.
To Eunchae's surprise, she finds herself nodding. As they walk together, Yunjin chats easily about her studies and her interests, never pushing Eunchae to talk but making it clear that she is there to listen if Eunchae wants to share.
By the time they return to the restaurant, Eunchae is feeling calmer and more relaxed. She even manages to join in the conversation at the table, albeit in a quiet, hesitant voice.
From that day on, Eunchae finds herself drawn to Yunjin. Every time they meet, she feels a little bit less anxious and a little bit more at ease. And before she knows it, she has developed a habit of hugging Yunjin every time she sees her, seeking out the comforting aura that Yunjin seems to radiate.
As for Yunjin, she has come to see Eunchae as a little sister, someone who needs a little extra care and support. She is patient with Eunchae's anxiety and never pushes her to do anything that makes her uncomfortable. And in doing so, she helps Eunchae to slowly but surely come out of her shell.
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Eunchae
She is a high school student with severe social anxiety and autism. She is introverted,anxious,and vulnerable. Jihyun,her father's new girlfriend,and Yunjin,Jihyun's daughter,try to integrate her into their lives. Eunchae struggles to communicate and make connections but feels drawn to Yunjin,who shows patience and understanding. Her father often pushes her too hard,but Yunjin becomes a source of comfort for Eunchae.
Jihyun
She is the girlfriend of Eunchae's father and a college student studying fashion design. She is caring,gentle,and understanding. Jihyun struggles with her weight and body image but feels confident when around Eunchae's father. She brings Eunchae cookies on their first meeting,showing her kindness. Jihyun introduces Eunchae to her daughter Yunjin and supports Eunchae's interactions with her own daughter.
Yunjin
She is the daughter of Jihyun and stepsibling to Eunchae. She is warm,patient,and empathetic. Yunjin struggles with depression but finds solace in spending time with Eunchae,who she sees as a little sister. She avoids pushing Eunchae to talk but instead offers her companionship and understanding. Yunjin introduces Eunchae to her friends and includes her in activities,helping Eaunche out of her shell.
Sixteen years old.
That was the age when I first met Jihyun, my father's girlfriend, and her daughter Yunjin.
I already knew about Jihyun; my father had told me about her, and we had even discussed her daughter Yunjin.
However, knowing someone exists and actually meeting them are completely different things.
I can't explain it well, but I was looking forward to meeting Jihyun while feeling anxious about meeting her daughter.
I didn't know what to expect from Yunjin, but I imagined that she would probably be like all the other kids I had met before.
My heart would race, my hands would tremble, and I would feel like I would faint.
That's how I always felt when I met new people.
It's not that I don't want to make friends; it's just that I am unable to do so.
I have severe social anxiety, and on top of that, I have autism and a form of mutism that makes it difficult for me to communicate with new people or in stressful situations.
My condition makes it hard for me to understand nonverbal cues and facial expressions, which is why I often misunderstand people or misinterpret their intentions.
I sit in the passenger seat of Dad's car, my fingernails digging into my palms as we drive to the Italian restaurant.
The familiar streets of Gangnam blur past outside the window, but I keep my gaze fixed on the road ahead, counting the lamp posts to calm my racing thoughts.
Dad keeps glancing at me, his jaw clenched tightly.
He hasn't spoken since we left home, probably worried I'll have another meltdown like the last time we met new people.
I don't want to disappoint him, but I can't control how I feel.
The restaurant comes into view—a small place with warm yellow lights and red awnings.
Through the window, I spot them already seated: Jihyun in a floral dress and Yunjin with her striking ginger hair.
Dad parks the car but doesn't get out immediately.
He turns to me with that look—the one that says he expects me to be "normal" tonight.
"Dad, I don't know if I can do this," I whisper, my voice barely audible over the hum of the engine.
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Just try your best, okay? Jihyun and Yunjin are really looking forward to meeting you."
My legs feel wobbly as I push myself up from the car seat.
The evening air hits my face, carrying the scent of garlic and tomato sauce from the restaurant's kitchen vent.
I grip the car door handle tightly, not ready to let go.
Through the window, I catch Yunjin looking in my direction, and I quickly drop my gaze to my shoes.
Dad comes around to my side, waiting.
His foot taps against the pavement - once, twice.
I know that rhythm; it means his patience is wearing thin.
With trembling fingers, I release the door handle and shuffle forward, keeping my eyes fixed on the ground.
As we approach the table, Jihyun stands up with a warm smile.
"Hi there, it's so nice to finally meet you," she says gently, her voice soothing like a lullaby.
I keep my eyes on my shoes as Yunjin stands up from her chair.
She moves slowly, like she's trying not to startle me.
"Hi Eunchae, I'm Yunjin," she says in a voice as warm as sunlight.
My hands start scratching each other under the table, but I manage a tiny nod.
She doesn't rush to fill the silence or demand a response.
Instead, she slides a menu toward me and points out her favorite pasta dish, giving me something to focus on besides the anxiety churning in my stomach.
My trembling finger hovers over the menu as I search for the seafood pasta I always order.
It's a familiar safety net among all these new faces and voices.
When I finally find it, I tap the laminated page twice, keeping my eyes fixed on the swirling pattern of marinara sauce in the photo.
Yunjin leans closer to see what I've chosen, her ginger hair briefly brushing against my shoulder.
The proximity makes me tense up, but her soft "Oh, that looks delicious!" helps me relax a bit.
Dad watches us from across the table, his grip on his menu loosening just a little.
While everyone studies their menus, I notice Yunjin's gaze drifting to the appetizer section.
She points to a photo of golden-brown garlic bread, the melted mozzarella stretching invitingly.
"Do you think you'd like to share that with me?" she asks, her voice gentle but direct.
My throat tightens at the question.
I glance at Dad, who's watching us with a mix of curiosity and hope.
Then I look back at the menu, where my finger still rests on the seafood pasta.
The bread looks warm and inviting, but sharing food means sitting closer, reaching for the same plate, coordinating movements.
My hands start scratching again under the table.
Yunjin waits patiently, not pushing for an answer.
I force my head to move in a tiny nod, my fingers still scratching.
Yunjin beams and waves the waiter over.
"We'll both have the seafood pasta, and can we also get an order of the garlic bread to share?" she asks, her voice clear and confident.
The waiter nods and takes our menus, leaving us to wait for our food.
Yunjin pulls out her phone and starts showing me pictures of her cat, keeping the conversation light and one-sided.
I listen intently, focusing on the sound of her voice as she talks about her pet's antics.
It's easier to concentrate on her words than to try to respond myself.
Before long, the waiter returns with a steaming wooden board of garlic bread.
The aroma of herbs and butter fills the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.
Yunjin breaks off a piece of bread first and places it on my plate, then takes a piece for herself. The smell of the bread is so familiar that I feel myself relaxing just a little.
I pick up the bread and take a small bite.
The garlic bread's warmth spreads through my fingers as I take another bite.
Yunjin continues showing me cat photos while she eats her share, giving me space to enjoy the food at my own pace.
When she points to a particularly funny picture of her cat sleeping upside down, I feel my lips curl up just a little.
The tension in my shoulders eases as I watch her scroll through more photos, and she notices my interest.
She tilts the phone closer so I can see better, her movements careful and deliberate.
Without thinking, I lean in to look at the screen, and a small smile forms on my face.
While looking at Yunjin's cat photos, I see one that reminds me of Bori.
My hands stop scratching as memories surface.
Yunjin notices my changed expression and tilts her head, waiting.
The words stick in my throat at first, but the photo of her cat stretching makes me think of how Bori always stretches his tiny paws after waking up.
I point at the stretching cat and whisper "Like Bori."
Yunjin looks at me curiously.
"Who's Bori?" she asks.
I pull out my phone with trembling fingers and find a video of Bori's morning stretches.
Yunjin watches the screen intently, her eyes softening.
"He's adorable," she says warmly, glancing at me with genuine interest.
I nod, feeling a strange mix of relief and vulnerability.
While scrolling through more cat photos, I notice my hands have stopped shaking.
Yunjin's genuine interest in Bori makes the words come easier.
I show her another video of Bori chasing his favorite toy mouse, and before I realize it, I'm explaining how he always hides it under my bed.
My voice stays quiet, but the words flow naturally as I describe finding five toy mice during cleaning last week.
Yunjin laughs softly at the story, and her reaction encourages me to continue.
"He's like a little hoarder," I say, feeling a bit more at ease.
Yunjin grins and asks, "Do you think he’s trying to tell you something with his stash?"
I pause, considering her question, then reply, "Maybe he's just making sure I don't forget about him."
The waiter places our steaming seafood pasta plates on the table, interrupting my conversation with Yunjin about cats.
The rich aroma of garlic and herbs fills my nose, making my mouth water.
I notice that the pasta is arranged differently than at my usual restaurant - the mussels are stacked in a spiral instead of scattered.
This unexpected change makes my hands start scratching again.
Yunjin seems to sense my unease and casually rearranges her own pasta, showing me how she likes to mix the seafood evenly throughout.
Following her lead, I carefully begin adjusting my plate, moving each piece of seafood until the familiar pattern emerges.
As I finish, a sense of calm settles over me, and I realize that change isn't always something to fear.
I twirl pasta around my fork while Dad and Jihyun discuss their plans for the weekend.
Their voices blend into background noise as I focus on separating the shrimp from the mussels on my plate.
Yunjin eats quietly beside me, occasionally glancing at her phone.
When Dad laughs loudly at something Jihyun said, I flinch slightly, my fork clattering against the plate.
Yunjin shifts in her chair, creating a subtle barrier between me and the adults' conversation.
I return to carefully organizing my food, grateful for the shield she provides.
Yunjin catches my eye and smiles, a silent promise that I'm not alone in this.
While organizing the last bits of seafood on my plate, I hear Jihyun mention having a cat when she was little.
My fingers pause on the fork as memories of a funny video I watched yesterday flash through my mind.
The urge to share it with someone builds up in my chest, making my heart race.
I glance at Yunjin, who gives me an encouraging nod.
My hands start trembling again as I clear my throat.
Dad stops mid-sentence, his eyes widening in surprise.
I focus on my plate, my voice barely above a whisper.
"The cat in the video kept trying to catch its own reflection in a mirror," I say slowly, "but it kept falling over."
Laughter erupts around the table, and for the first time, I feel like I belong.
I stare at my plate while Yunjin shifts closer, her voice dropping to match my quiet level.
"My cat got stuck in an empty tissue box," she says, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
I watch as she demonstrates with her hands how the cat backed up around the living room, box still on its head.
My shoulders start shaking with silent laughter.
"When it bumped into walls, the box fell off," she continues, mimicking the cat's movements.
A giggle escapes my lips, and Dad and Jihyun pause their conversation to look at me.
But Yunjin keeps talking naturally, shielding me from their attention.
I take a deep breath, feeling the warmth of connection settle in my chest.
I notice Jihyun watching Yunjin and me with a soft expression on her face.
She seems genuinely happy to see us sharing cat stories.
When Yunjin asks if I have the video on my phone, I nod and pull it out from my pocket.
Jihyun leans over slightly, trying to see the screen too.
At first, my body tenses at her proximity, but then I hear a quiet "aww" escape her lips.
The sound is soft and gentle, like she's truly enjoying the moment.
As I watch the video again, I peek up at Jihyun through my bangs.
She has a warm smile on her face, and for the first time, I see her as someone who might understand me.
When the video ends, Yunjin tells us about finding her cat sleeping on top of Jihyun's design sketches one day.
"The cat smudged all the pencil lines," Yunjin says, mimicking how she had to recreate the designs.
Jihyun laughs softly, saying that it was a small price to pay for such a cute intruder. As they talk, I continue to sneak glances at Jihyun through my bangs.
She seems different now, less intimidating and more like a person who might actually care about me.
I still feel nervous around her, but maybe it's not as bad as I thought.
When Jihyun mentions wanting to meet Bori someday, I give a tiny nod.
Yunjin squeezes my hand under the table, and I realize that maybe, just maybe, this family could work.
