Jamais Vu

Chapter 50

"Sajangnim, sunbaenim, I'll take my leave," said Mi Cha to Sunhee and Haewon at the end of the day.

"See you tomorrow," called Sunhee from the baking area and Mi Cha left. She was putting the starter in the proofing oven when Haewon called from the café area.

"What is it, eunnie?" asked Sunhee. Popping her head through the serving window.

"Someone wants to see you," said Haewon.

Sunhee looked at the guest and she gulped. It was Hoseok's mom.

Alone.

When Hoseok sent her a picture of his mom, Sunhee immediately remembered her. She came with another woman about her age whom Hoseok said was his aunt near noon. Sunhee knew she chatted a bit with his mom and aunt before going to the next customer, and that was about it.

Sunhee immediately pulled herself out and went through the connecting door. Her hands became clammy and she was out of sorts. From what Hoseok told her, his mom knew about their partnership and their relationship. That was all that he said. He didn't tell her if his mom was happy or unhappy about it.

"Madam Jung, how are you?" greeted Sunhee. "I'm sorry I didn't properly introduce myself on the opening day."

"It's fine, Baek Sunhee-ssi. You had your hands full. Can we talk for a bit?"

"Yes, sure," agreed Sunhee.

With that, Haewon gave Sunhee a knowing look. "I'll take my leave now, sajangnim. Good day, Madam Jung," Haewon bowed and made her way out of the café. Before that, she double-checked and made sure the front sign already turned to 'Close'.

"Would you like to have a talk somewhere else?" proposed Sunhee.

"This café would be just fine," said Hoseok's mom sweeping over the dining area.

Sunhee went to the nearest table and put down the chairs. "Please, have a seat. Would you like anything to drink?"

"A cup of hot tea would be nice," she replied and Sunhee immediately went to work, taking a mini pot and a couple of cups. She took some extra gluten-free bread and served it quickly.

"This place is nice. I haven't been able to come and visit before when Hoseok told me about your partnership," started Hoseok's mom after taking a sip of the tea. "I can see some of his ideas around here."

"We discussed a lot before we chose the design for this café. His input was really valuable," said Sunhee.

"How long have you been in the business?"

"I've been running the bakery for about two years, give or take."

"That's impressive to be owning a business at a young age," commented Hoseok's mom. "He also told me about your relationship," she continued.

Sunhee honestly didn't know how to respond to that that she kept quiet. Everything that came to her head didn't seem to be appropriate. Should she convince Hoseok's mom that she would be a good girlfriend? She paused. She knew her past wasn't that stellar.

"Relax, I'm not going to pull out the unapproving boyfriend's mom stunt by telling you to stop seeing him," assured Hoseok's mom. "Both of you are big enough to decide on your own on who you want to be together with."

Sunhee blinked at her. "Well, as a parent, you do have a say in your son's relationship."

"I do if I happen to see what I don't like."

"Did he tell you everything about me?"

"He didn't tell me everything. He only told me about how you got together and how wonderful you are. He did tell me something vague about your family saying that it's your story to tell. It does perk my interest though."