**Naomi's POV**
I barely got any sleep last night, but morning came too quickly. The sunlight peeked through the curtains, and I stretched, yawning. But as soon as I woke up, I remembered I had to face my parents. I couldn't avoid them forever, no matter how much I wanted to.
I threw on a simple dress and headed downstairs. The house was quiet except for the faint clinking of dishes and mumbling from the kitchen. My parents were already up, deep into their morning routine.
When I walked into the dining room, my dad, President Kim, looked up from his newspaper, serious but not unkind. My mom, elegant as always, was pouring tea. They both watched as I took my seat.
"Good morning, Naomi," my mom said, her voice warm but a bit worried.
"Morning," I replied, trying to smile.
Dad folded his newspaper and set it aside. "I'm glad you're up early. We need to talk."
I nodded, feeling a lump in my stomach. "Sure. What's up?"
Dad took a deep breath, his face serious. "Your mom and I are concerned about your recent behavior."
Mom added softly, "We get that you're growing up and want more freedom, but you also need to remember your responsibilities. You're not just Naomi Kim; you represent our family and our country."
I swallowed hard. "I know, but sometimes it feels like there's no space for me to just be... me."
Dad leaned in, his expression softening. "We're not trying to hold you back. We want you to be happy and successful. But with our position comes certain expectations and duties. It's a tricky balance."
Mom put a gentle hand on mine. "We're here to support you. But you also need to understand the weight of your responsibilities."
I looked down, struggling to find the right words. "I just need to experience things for myself. I want to find out who I am, not just who everyone expects me to be."
Dad thought for a moment. "Feeling that way is normal. We all want freedom and to make our own choices. But there are ways to do that while still meeting your responsibilities."
I took a deep breath and gathered my courage. "I've been spending time with someone who makes me feel more like myself. It's been eye-opening, and I want to explore that. I want to find out what makes me truly happy."
Mom's eyes softened, but I could still see some concern. "Is this someone you care about a lot?"
I nodded. "Yes. Her name is Lian. She's different from anyone I've ever met. She's helped me see things in a new way."
Dad exchanged a glance with Mom before turning back to me. "Naomi, it's important to be careful about who you let into your life. We just want to make sure you're making choices that are good for you."
Mom added, "We're not saying you can't pursue your own happiness. We just want to make sure you're doing it in a way that doesn't risk your future or the family's reputation."
I felt frustrated but kept my voice calm. "I get it. But it feels like no matter what I do, I'm always held to these expectations I can't escape."
Dad nodded thoughtfully. "We'll consider your feelings and try to find a balance. Just remember, Naomi, there are ways to handle your responsibilities while still finding personal joy."
Mom smiled reassuringly. "We want you to be happy and fulfilled. We're here for you, no matter what."
I felt relieved. It wasn't a perfect solution, but at least it was a start. "Thank you. I appreciate you listening."
Dad smiled faintly. "We just want what's best for you. We'll work on supporting you while keeping up with our duties."
As we finished breakfast, I felt a mix of relief, anxiety, and renewed determination. My parents were willing to work with me, but I knew there were still challenges ahead.
I took one last look at my parents before leaving the table, feeling determined. I knew the road wouldn't be easy, but with Lian by my side and a new sense of purpose, I was ready to find my own path and embrace the freedom I craved.