At six o'clock in the evening, Tae-pyung and Eon-jin arrived at Eon-jin's house, still holding hands as if they were floating on cloud nine.
"Be careful on your way home, and message me once you get there," Eon-jin reminded Tae-pyung.
"Yes, ma'am!" Tae-pyung replied with a playful salute, making Eon-jin chuckle. She noticed he was still holding her hand.
"I think you need to let go of my hand now. How are you planning to go home like this?" she teased.
"Can I stay for dinner? I'm not ready to go home yet," Tae-pyung asked, just as the door to Eon-jin's house opened. Eon-jin quickly let go of his hand, but Ji-ah eomma noticed it right away.
"Oh, you're already here? Why didn't you come in?" Ji-ah asked, noticing the sudden blush on her daughter's cheeks.
"Good evening, ma'am. Would it be alright if I joined you for dinner?" Tae-pyung asked nervously, catching Eon-jin completely by surprise.
"Of course, please come in," Ji-ah replied promptly, stepping aside to let him in. "Come on, Eon-jin, it's getting cold outside."
Eon-jin stood speechless, unable to believe what was happening. Ji-ah observed the subtle exchange of glances between them and noticed the faint smile playing on Tae-pyung's lips as he looked at her daughter.
"Tae-pyung, did you let your mom know you'll be having dinner here? She might be looking for you," Ji-ah interrupted their silent communication.
"I'll just message her." he replied politely, pulling out his phone.
"You two stay here; I'll finish cooking." Ji-ah said before heading to the kitchen.
Once Eon-jin was sure her mom was occupied, she quickly pinched Tae-pyung's arm, causing him to laugh and dodge.
"I thought you were heading home?" she whispered.
"I still want to be with you. Don't you want that?" Tae-pyung replied with a playful pout.
Eon-jin sighed, whispering back, "It's not that I don't want to, but my eomma doesn't know yet. She might be surprised when she finds out."
"Why would I be surprised, my daughter?" Ji-ah's voice startled them, and they quickly turned to face her.
"Eomma, uh, well... the thing is..." Eon-jin stammered.
"Are you two dating?" Ji-ah asked directly. The two exchanged nervous glances before nodding.
Ji-ah sighed, making them even more anxious.
"Since when?" she asked.
"Just today, eomma." Eon-jin replied softly.
Sensing Eon-jin's worry, Tae-pyung mustered his courage.
"Ma'am, I know we're young to be in a relationship, but I promise we won't do anything to disappoint you. I love Eon-jin, and I hope you'll allow me to care for her." Tae-pyung's earnest words moved Eon-jin, who now had tears in her eyes.
Ji-ah suddenly burst into laughter, surprising them both.
"You should have seen your faces! I wish I'd recorded it," Ji-ah teased.
"Eomma!" Eon-jin protested, but Ji-ah pulled her into a hug.
"I'm happy for you both. If you make each other happy, who am I to stand in the way? Just remember, you're still young. Take things slowly and stay focused on your goals."
Blushing, Eon-jin and Tae-pyung nodded.
"We'll focus on school, ma'am." Tae-pyung assured her.
"That's the spirit. Study hard. And Tae-pyung, you can call me eomeoni," Ji-ah said warmly, making Tae-pyung grin and Eon-jin hid her face in embarrassment.
