HERSHE || BBANGSAZ ||

38. Chance

Hanni was relieved Jake didn't show up the next day. And as her mom promised, the bugging indeed stopped.

On the other hand, Minji has not called her yet. Hanni's been waiting for that because hearing Minji's voice would help her forget her mom and Jake for a little while.

Truth is, she feels confused.

The little girl that had been crushing on Jake since the day Hanni can't remember is still inside her. But what's adds up to her confusion is the feelings she's developed towards Minji.

It's different and similar in a way. She doesn't know what to make of it. Yet, she knows choosing one over the other can cause either a concord or a rift between her and mom.

Hanni doesn't want to imagine the consequences yet.

Is there a way she could find out who matters most?

—

It was Sunday afternoon, after a trip to the grocery store when Hanni and her mom saw the familiar black car in front of their gate.

"Now look at that." her mom pulled the car over.

Hanni's eyes widened when Jake stepped out from the driver's side and walked towards them.

"Hey." He leaned inside the car window on her mom's side.

"Hey, darling. It's great to see you." The older woman pinched Jake's cheek. "Where have you been? Hanni was waiting for you since Thursday."

"Mom!"

"I'm just kidding, darling." Hanni's mom laughed.

"I was on an out-of-town business trip these past few days. I came back just last night," said Jake.

"How long have you been waiting there? You should have called me or Hanni to tell us you're dropping by. We went out to get some groceries."

"Nah. It's fine. It was just for a couple of minutes. And I don't have your numbers yet."

"Oh. I'll give it to you inside, okay?" said Hanni's mom.

"That would be great." Jake smiled at them. "By the way, can I help you with the groceries?"

—

"Thanks for the help." Hanni's mom handed Jake a glass of cold water.

"Thanks." Jake handed back the glass after downing it. "And you're welcome."

"Do you have something to do this evening? I hope you could stay for dinner."

Hanni was smiling as she put the condiments in the cabinet. She knows her mom's pushing it again.

"Umm. Well... I was hoping I could take Hanni out for dinner..." said Jake.

Hanni turned around to look at him, surprised.

"Really?" Hanni's mom was surprised too.

"Y-yeah." Jake nodded hesitantly. "If... if... if only Hanni's available."

"Yeah. Sure. Of course, son," the older lady answered. "She doesn't have plans for the entire day either. Am I right, Hanni?"

Hanni met eyes with her mom and knew she needs to do her part of the deal. "Yes."

—

Jake took Hanni to a waterfront restaurant where they had a multi-course dinner overlooking a lake. It wasn't romantic, but not casual either.

Although Hanni thought it would be awkward, like her previous dates before, it surprised Hanni she's having fun again.

After their dinner, they went for a moonlit stroll at the park with a cup of tea in their hands. Most of the people around were couples having their own little worlds.