Every Year, It's Not That Year

ＪＵＳＴ ＹＯＵ ＡＮＤ ＭＥ-•

2019

Park remains as well mannered as possible, to the point where everyone views him as pretentious. He used to be the most unpretentious person in their squad, shooting comments that pricks the heart, but now, Park behaves like a monkey whose been chained.

With Mrs. Yang insisting that he joins the dinner, Park wouldn't dare to reject. He sat there with his head lowers, accepting and showing gratitude for every dishes Mrs. Yang offered, like a loyal generous who dare not refuse his King, Queen, actually.

Stephanie opted for a dinning table that is expandable, she knew that the squad would be gathering at her house, especially when her mother propose a feast.

'The dried scallop is so fragrant, just like that batch of Shiitake mushroom I got from your shop last month.' Mrs. Yang complimented on the goods she bought it from Linda's store, specializing in traditional Chinese medicine and herbs.

'I save the best for you, ah yi,' Linda beams with joy.

(Ah Yi means aunt/auntie in Chinese, it's normal for Asian to call any seniors Aunt or Uncle)

'You should drink more of this soup, Tim, it nourishes your lungs, would be good for your performance,' Mrs. Yang enjoys taking care of young people like them.

'Yes, Ah yi,' Tim nodded profusely as Mrs. Yang offered another spoonful of soup to his bowl. He has been practicing for his next stage performance, and thus the soup came at the right time.

Nobody dares to make any funny comment when Mrs. Yang is present.

'Seong Min, you should drink more Chrysanthemum tea, it'll cool your body since you work in front of the stove everyday,' Mrs. Yang shakes her head with sigh, how tough must his job be, she wonders. She noticed the plate of Kimchi that is always present whenever Seong Min is having his meal. 'Kimchi sure goes well with all the dishes, right, Min?'

Seong Min nodded and holds his cup while Mrs. Yang pours the herbal tea for him. He merely chuckles at the Kimchi remarks.

Stephanie enjoys the ambience when her house is crowded with her loved ones. She knew her mother enjoys cooking for them.

'What about me?' Stephanie asked her mother who found joy looking at the kids
eating the dishes she cooked.

'You're such a greedy girl, I gave you and Park soup every week,' Mrs. Yang deliberately mentioned Park's name in her reply.

Unexpected to hear his name mentioned in such unprecedented circumstances, Park choked and cough. Though he persevered to maintain a perfect dining etiquette, this is all it takes to ruin his effort.

Linda, Tim and Seong Min eyes at the aloof Park who is suddenly uncool anymore.

Stephanie passed him a glass of water as Park pat his chest to ease the airway that is invaded from the rice.

Mrs. Yang hides her grin, she knew how powerful her words were. As age catch up with the impatience mother, Mrs. Yang couldn't fathom why isn't Park initiating his move yet.

'Sorry,' he cough and clear his throat. Ever since Mrs. Yang caught him spending the night sleeping on the very couch behind them, the awkwardness never left him. Despite knowing that Mrs. Yang disapprove, he's still braving through the storm to keep his promise to Stephanie.

Mrs. Yang then scoop a piece of tofu and left it on his rice, 'eat slowly, Park, Ching says you've been working really hard through the year.'