Monday was the only day that week Mia didn't have work, and she'd been planning to use that time to go home and prep herself for the group date that evening.
She didn't know at what point those plans changed to her going over to Renjun's house for dinner, but here she was.
And apparently, dinner at the Huang-Wei residence consisted of grabbing things from the freezer and microwaving them. Mia had previously been unaware of Renjun's addiction to Moonmin, but you learned something new every day.
"I hope you aren't used to glamorous dinners, Mia," Mrs.Huang said from where she lounged in front of the TV. "We're not exactly gourmet chefs."
"It's fine," Mia beamed, from where she perched on the edge of the couch. Unlike her son, talking to Mrs.Huang was as simple as breathing. She had an easy smile and warm eyes. "Mia doesn't mind at all."
"That's right," Jing yu said, sidling into the room. He leaned on the couch armrest beside her. "Mia's not a high maintenance gal. She's exactly our type."
When he said 'our,' Mia got the feeling he meant 'my.' Mia inched away from Jing yu ever so slightly. Mrs.Huang seemed to notice, because her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Back off, Yu. She's Jun's girl."
Mia's face flamed. "Heol, no – I'm not-"
Jing yu made a face at his foster mother. "Sheesh," he said, ever so eloquently.
A door slammed, and seconds later Yun sauntered into the room, still dressed in full softball gear.
There was mud smeared on her face. Mia always thought that, if Yun scowled less and smiled more, she'd look exactly like her mother. Today, Yun's face was somewhere in between.
"Shim Saeron," she said, "is a demon. I'd kill her if I wasn't so happy she was on my team." Yun looked at Mia, and tilted her chin. "Hey, you're gonna see her tonight, right? Tell her she's in."
"Tell her yourself," Renjun said as he came in from the kitchen, plastic fork hanging out of the corner of his mouth. "Come with us."
"I'll go as well," Jing yu cut in smoothly, smiling slyly. Renjun pulled out the plastic fork and pointed it at him.
"You, sir," he said, "are too old. You're a downer."
"What? I am not."
"Are too. You're a geezer."
"I'll buy you all booze."
Renjun paused, apparently taking a moment to consider it, before Mrs.Huang clapped her hands. "No he's not!" She declared, and pointed at Jing yu. "No, you're not."
Yun sighed. "I'm surrounded by idiots."
"Your face is an idiot," Renjun shot back irritably.
"What? That was the worst comeback I've ever heard, you're such a loser."
"Shut up!"
Mia giggled. It was only a small giggle, but it was enough to make the room go silent.
Everybody was staring.
She blinked. "What?"
"Mia," Jing yu managed, "that was the cutest thing I've ever heard."
"Jing yu, you're so lame," Yun said. "But seriously, Mia. I don't think I've ever heard you laugh before."
Renjun had an odd look on his face. Mia glanced at him, and tilted her head.
He cleared his throat. "C'mon, it's time to go." He looked resolutely over at Yun. "Are you coming, or what?"
