Ephemeral

Chapter 9

As I entered the living room, my parents are sitting opposite of Mr. Lee and Joowon.

"Soo-Hee. You are home. Come join us." Me father says with his fake smile as my mother silently sips her tea.

"She is starting her first year in university. She was craving to learn so bad that we just had to let her pursue her studies in a public university as she requested." My father says as I made my way to sit next to them.

"Soo-Hee, you remembered Joowon, right? He just came back from his studies overseas."

"He was asking for you right after he came back, so that's why we decided to visit all of the sudden." Mr. Lee said.

"I see."

"What do you think, Joowon? It's been so long since you've seen Soo-Hee, right?"

"It has. As expected, she became even more beautiful." He said and winked at me.

We never told anyone about the reason why we broke up two years ago. Only my mother knew the real reason, yet she doesn't really care. Right after we broke up, Joowon left to study overseas, so everyone just assumed we broke up because of that reason.

"Why don't you two spend some time together then? Catch up on some things."

I stood up from my seat.

"It's been a long day. I'll take my leave first."

"Soo-Hee. We have guests." My father glared at me.

"It's okay. College life must be tiring, we don't want to burden her too much. They can still meet at the upcoming winter party too." Mr. Lee said.

My dad laughed awkwardly.

"That is correct. I do apologize for my daughter's rude behavior."

"She's not rude at all! She is actually very polite compared to the other young ladies I've seen running around. It's very nice to know that she will be my daughter-in-law soon."

"Of course! My wife did her best raising her."

Mother smiled at them.

"She's such an obedient child. She's really our pride and joy."

"Then, please excuse me. May you all have a pleasant night."

I excused myself and make my way to my room.

I texted Jaebeom that I arrived home, put my phone away and took a shower.

Once I was done with my shower, mother was sitting on my bed.

"Was it too much for you to entertain our guests for a bit longer?"

"I did not look presentable since I just came back from the university. Didn't you taught me that I have to look presentable in front of our guests? Was it better for me to keep sitting there with such a look?"

Mother went silent. As usual, I could not read her thoughts from her facial expression.

"If you are done with your lecture, please do excuse yourself, Mother. I am a bit fatigued today."

"What did you learn from the university? You came home late today."

"I was working on the assignment that was given to me by the professor. Since I am an art major, I need to come up with some sketches for my project. Do you have any objections with my assignments?"

"No, I was just curious. Have a good night then, daughter."

Mother then got up and left the room.