Eon-jin's POV
After we had lunch and some snacks, we decided to head home. Tae-pyung offered to take me home.
"You don't need to take me home. Maybe they've already been looking for you. I can manage."
"We're close to your place, and the bus station is also nearby, so it's fine."
Soon, we arrived at my house, and Eomma opened the door for us.
"Oh, there you are. Hello, Tae-pyung," she greeted warmly.
"Hello, Ma'am. Good evening. How are you?"
"I'm pretty fine. Have you had dinner yet? Join us—I just finished cooking."
"Eomma, Tae-pyung needs to go home. They're already looking for him."
"Is that so? Arasso. Next time, then. Be careful on your way home." Eomma went inside the house first.
"Thank you again for earlier, Tae-pyung. I had a great time. I guess I don't owe you anything anymore, huh?"
Tae-pyung chuckled and gave a nod.
"I had a good time today, even though you were so eager to eat a lot." I glanced at him playfully, though, truthfully, I had eaten a lot.
"Well, you always offered more food, and everything we ate was so delicious."
He laughed, tousled my hair, and then smoothed it down, making my cheeks blush once again.
"I suppose we both satisfied our appetites today. Thank you as well, Eon-jin. I really enjoyed it."
"Alright, go home—they're really looking for you."
"Okay, I'll just message you when I get home. Bye, Eon-jin. See you on Monday!"
By the way, we had exchanged numbers earlier. Does that mean we can be chatmates now?
As Tae-pyung's silhouette faded from view, I made my way inside. A playful smile adorned my mother's face as she looked at me.
"Looks like my daughter is in high spirits. Any good news for your mother?"
"Eomma... You won't mind if I develop feelings for Tae-pyung, right?"
"No, my love. As long as you're happy, I'm more than happy for you."
I embraced my mom, then shared the details of what happened today. Afterward, I headed to my room and settled onto my bed, recalling the pictures we had taken together at the ice cream shop. I swiftly retrieved the photo from my bag and glanced at it. Unaware that I was smiling, I suddenly remembered what he said about the girl he likes.
I furrowed my brow and clutched my chest, looking at our photo once more.
"Perhaps she's attractive enough for you to like her?"
I closed my eyes as my phone unexpectedly beeped. It was from Tae-pyung!
Tae-pyung: I'm back home. Get some rest. Drink a lot of water since you ate so much ice cream earlier.
Eon-jin: You too. Rest now.
"Isn't my reply too cold?" I wondered. It didn't take him long to reply.
Tae-pyung: Did you wait for me to text?
"How did he know..."
Eon-jin: Ani, I was about to sleep when I received your message.
Tae-pyung: Arasso. Sleep well, Eon-jin 💤
I laughed at his use of the emoji.
Eon-jin: Good night, Tae-pyung 😴
