112 Love Is A Choice (1/2)
*WARNING: The following content contains minor explicit content involving nudity that may be unsuitable for children.
”If you had the chance to return to your real parents over your foster family, would you?”
An Sun's sudden question startled Rin.
She scratched her cheek, ”Well, since both my real parents are dead my option is quite obvious.”
Unseen by Rin, An Sun's originally controlled expression cracked. A wave of irritation welled up within and he tsked.
”You know what I mean. Now stop playing dumb and answer the question.” His voice deepened as a frown settled on his face.
Rin muffled a laugh and coughed lightly, ”Of course, my apologies, my lord.”
Rin's expression grew thoughtful as she pondered over the right words to say.
If her parents were still alive, would she go back to them? Rin's heart clenched from being asked such a question. If such a situation happened then…
Rin pressed her moist lips together and put a little more thought into her words. ”Truthfully, I don't think I'd return.”
An Sun's eyebrows creased. ”You wouldn't?”
”Believe me, my lord, I may have been young when I lost them both, but I loved them with all my heart, I still do. However, my love and care for the Bai family is greater.”
Leaning against the stone wall, Rin's eyes lowered. ”They're the ones who raised me to be the person I am, the ones who nurtured me. The bond that connects us is not one of blood but of respect and joy.”
”You're not saying that because you feel obligated for them raising you?”
Rin smiled, ”If that was the case, I would have left the Bai Manor long ago.”
After she had finished speaking, she quickly took note of An Sun's unusual silence. Tilting her head to the side, she saw through the steam the young man's handsome features contorted into a grim expression - the depth of his eyes dark as he stared deeply into the water.
Rin's brows furrowed. A sudden thought appeared as she thought back to his previous question.
Unconsciously, her eyes shifted to the scar on his chest and her lips tightened.
Parting her lips, she says, ”But it all depends.”
As if the sound of her voice divided him from his thoughts, An Sun's eyes shift and he stares at the rock she hid behind.
”What do you mean?” He asked.
”I mean, although the Bai family raised me, gave me a place to live, a name and taught me many useful things, those deeds don't define my choice for picking them. They provided me more than that. They gave me love, emotional support, and protection. I believe that's what matters most in a family, whether they be blood-related or not.”
In a steady and gentle tone, Rin finishes by saying, ”In the end, love isn't an obligation it's a choice. We can't choose who raises us, but we can choose whom we stay with. It's alright to feel solely admiration and gratitude.”
An Sun was left speechless by her words. He could only stare at the rock she hid behind, his wet brows drawn together.
”Do you believe that?”
”I think so, yes.” She replied calmly.
An Sun's thin lips curled up into a smile, his eyes wandering back to her hidden figure.
”I think I've stayed long enough,” He lifted his body from the water.