What are we?

27

Mina's voice was a sharp contrast to the cozy atmosphere of Seojin's tteokbokki place. "What are you doing here?" she exclaimed, her voice barely a whisper but filled with incredulity. Her eyes, wide with disbelief, locked onto Bambam, who was seated at a booth, looking infuriatingly at ease. This was her weekend, her precious escape from his constant presence.

Bambam, unfazed by her outburst, leaned back with a smug grin. "Thought you'd appreciate a surprise," he retorted, his voice dripping with nonchalance.

Mina rolled her eyes, a silent protest against his audacity. This was the last thing she needed. She was about to retaliate with a sharp retort when the familiar scent of her mother, Seojin, wafted from the kitchen. Her heart sank. Of all the times for her mother to appear, it had to be now.

Seojin emerged from the kitchen, her face lit up with a warm smile. "Bambam! It's been too long! What can I get you?" she beamed, her eyes then landing on Mina. "Mina, darling, why are you just standing there? Get your boyfriend something to eat."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Mina's face flushed a deep crimson. *Boyfriend*? The word felt like a foreign object lodged in her throat. She glanced at Bambam, who was watching her with a mixture of amusement and something else she couldn't quite decipher.

Seojin, oblivious to the tension, continued, "You two lovebirds should spend more time together. It's good to see you two getting along."

Mina opened her mouth to correct her mother, to clarify their complicated relationship, but no words came out. She felt trapped, a deer caught in headlights. Bambam, ever the opportunist, took a step closer, his arm brushing against hers.

"Mom, it's not like that," Mina managed to squeak out, her voice barely audible.

Seojin's smile widened. "Oh, come on, Mina. Don't be shy. You two look great together."

Mina felt a surge of frustration. How had her peaceful weekend turned into this chaotic mess? She glanced at Bambam, who seemed to be enjoying the show a little too much.

She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "We're just-" she said firmly, but her voice wavered.

"Eommonim, can I take Mina for a date? I promise to take good care of her." Bambam cuts.

Seojin face cast a soft smile, young love it is. "To where? Make sure to bring our precious Minari home before 6:00pm, okay?"

Bambam smiled sweetly, turning his charm on, he knew that always work, "Of course, eommonim." He then saluted playfully. "Well, I saw a new cafe near SNU Med school when I visited the university to inquire about the program-"

"You're eyeing for SNU Med school?" Seojin gushed.

"Oh, yes, eommonim." Bambam smiled.

Mina rolled her eyes, "You're not even in the class top 20, and you're eyeing for Med school? SNU?" Mina lets out a dry mocking laugh, "Pretty ambitious, huh."

"Shh, Minari!" Seojin stated her voice warning for her rude remark.

"What about Jeongyeon? U-unnie?" Bambam stated, then glanced at Mina.

Bambam knew exactly what he was doing, and Mina knows that SNU story he created was all just a bluff.

"My Jeongyeonie? I'm not sure if she'll be aiming for SNU, but I heard she likes computers, what was it, Minari? The program Jeongyeonie wants?" Seojin glanced at Mina.

Mina's smirk widened. She could feel the power dynamic shifting, and it was intoxicating. "Game development," she replied, her voice steady. A subtle, almost imperceptible glance at Bambam conveyed her silent challenge.