Joel, however?—
I press my lips together, trying so hard not to laugh.
He’s standing near the dessert table, looking thoroughly out of his element in his own hanbok, a deep blue number my mother definitely made sure fit himperfectly.The fabric drapes on him all wrong, like he has no idea how to exist in clothes that aren’t ripped jeans and leather jackets.He keeps tugging at the collar, eyes darting around like someone is going to attack him with more layers.
I can’t stop the snort that escapes me.
Joel catches the sound and narrows his eyes, pointing at me.“Sayoneword, and I swear I’m going to grab a mic and tell your entire family about the time you tried to dye your hair blue and it turned out green.”
I grin.“Joke’s on you, my momalreadytells that story to anyone who’ll listen.”
He sighs dramatically, flicking at his sleeve.“This is a setup.I look like a Disney prince.”Then he visibly shudders.“God, I can’t believe I just said that out loud.”
I stare at him, horrified, but also on the verge of laughing.That was actually pretty good.Not that I’ll ever tell him that.In fact— “Yeah.What’swrongwith you?”
He groans, shaking his head like he’s trying to physically shake the words out of existence.“No.No, I take it back.That was disgusting.”
“Fully unhinged,” I agree.
He grins.“Absolutely vile.”
“A moment of total insanity.”
“A betrayal of everything I stand for.”
We stare at each other for a beat, the full-body cringe mutual, before I shake my head and chuckle despite myself.“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear it.”
Joel nods solemnly.“Please do.I need to live in denial for at least twenty-four hours.”
“Longer, honestly.”I fold my arms, smirking.“Like,forever.”
“Agreed.”He tugs at the collar of his hanbok again, scowling.“This thing’s bad enough.But addingthatcomparison?I feel like I need to burn this entire outfit after tonight just to rid myself of the association.”
“Oh no, my mom would never let you,” I say.“She’d probably track it down and get it dry-cleaned just in case you ever need to wear it again.”
His expression turns even more horrified.“Your mom is terrifying.”
I sigh.“Welcome to my life.”
Before Joel can respond, a blur of pink and tulle barrels into my legs.
“Auntie Anna—” Mina shrieks, her tiny hands gripping my hanbok with impressive strength for a one-year-old.She’s decked out in full doljanchi regalia, her pink and gold hanbok as pristine as it’s ever going to be before the chaos begins.
I scoop her up automatically, bouncing her slightly as she babbles excitedly.“You ready for your big moment, kiddo?”
She smacks my cheek in response.
Joel snickers.“That’s a yes.”
“Shut up,” I mutter, adjusting Mina in my arms.But then I notice the way he’s watching her—fond, almost thoughtful, his usual teasing smirk softened around the edges.It’s the same way he used to look at my little cousins when we were younger, like he actually enjoyed being around them.
The thought makes something in my chest tighten.
I shove it aside immediately.
Ethan appears from the other side of the room, already looking exhausted as he corrals two toddlers who have decided that now is the time to test their vertical limits via a buffet table.“Okay, we’re about five minutes from doljabi time,” he announces, barely dodging a flying cookie.“Anna, Mom wants you and Joel front and center.”
I sigh.“Of course she does.”