The Gate Way

Episode3: Family Call

Sunlight pours through the apartment windows. Diana is setting a small vase of flowers on the coffee table. Suddenly, Seo-joon's phone rings loudly, displaying a video call request labeled **"MOTHER"**.

Seo-joon looks at the screen, takes a deep breath, and answers it, propping the phone up against a stack of art books on the table.

MOTHER (O.S.)

(Speaking rapidly in Korean, voice sharp and demanding)

Seo-joon! Why are you not answering your messages immediately? Do you know what time it is here? And where is your suit? You sound distracted.

SEO-JOON

(Switching to Korean, trying to keep his voice calm and steady)

Hello, Mother. I'm doing well, thank you. I've actually got some wonderful news to share with you.

MOTHER (O.S.)

(Scoffing dismissively over the line)

Wonderful news? Hopefully it is about your career or your return flight. Listen to me, I have been talking to Mrs. Park. Her daughter just finished her master's degree, and she is an absolute angel. I already arranged everything for you to meet her when you come back to Seoul next month. It is a proper match.

SEO-JOON

Mother, stop. You don't need to arrange anything. My life is here now, and I'm not coming back to marry anyone else. In fact, I want you to meet someone special.

Seo-joon turns slightly and gestures toward Diana, who offers a warm, polite smile to the camera screen.

SEO-JOON (CONT'D)

(In English, looking at Diana)

Diana, honey, this is my mom.

DIANA

(Waving gently, her voice cheerful)

Hello, Mrs. Kim. It's so wonderful to finally meet you. Seo-joon talks about you all the time.

The video feed freezes for a brief second as Seo-joon’s mother stares at Diana through the screen. Her expression hardens instantly.

MOTHER (O.S.)

(Switching back to Korean, her voice laced with shock and disapproval)

Seo-joon... what is the meaning of this? Why are you with an African woman? Have you lost your mind completely? I did not raise you to throw away your future like this. Disconnect this call immediately, pack your bags, and get on the next plane back to Korea! I have already found the right person for you to marry!

Seo-joon's smile fades completely, his jaw tightening as he stares at the screen, while Diana looks on, confused by the harsh tone of the words she cannot yet understand.

SEO-JOON

(His expression hardens, and without a moment's hesitation, he taps the screen to instantly end the video call. The phone goes black.)

DIANA

(Lowering her hand, her smile faltering slightly as she looks at him with concern)

Seo-joon? Is everything okay? What did she say? She sounded... really upset.

Seo-joon takes a deep breath, forcing a reassuring smile to his face as he sets the phone down on the table and takes her hands in his.

SEO-JOON

(Smiling softly, trying to keep his voice completely steady)

Don't worry about it, love. Everything is fine. She... she thinks you're wonderful, Diana. She's just surprised, that's all.

DIANA

(Tilting her head, looking into his eyes with a gentle, searching gaze)

Are you sure? It sounded pretty intense. You know you don't have to shield me from everything.

SEO-JOON

I'm completely sure. We have our whole lives ahead of us, and nothing your mother or anyone else says is going to change how I feel about you. Come on, let's focus on us and our little family.

Diana smiles, the tension melting away as she leans into his embrace, completely unaware of the storm brewing back in Seoul.