Your Lies | Choi San

Chapter 42

The cafe was quiet, with only the soft hum of background conversations and the low jazz music playing. I sat at the table, my hands wrapped around my mug like it was the only thing keeping me grounded. The door chimed softly as it opened, and I looked up, spotting my mom walking in. Her presence gave me a sense of warmth and anxiety at the same time.

She smiled as she approached, "Leo," she greeted, "I didn't think you'd show me your face any time soon."

I forced a smile, feeling my heart race. "It's nice to see you mom."

I stood up, hugging her for a minute. I guess it would've been obvious to anyone then. I finally let go, allowing her to sit across from me.

She studied me for a moment, her eyes sharply reading me, "You've been avoiding my calls lately, tell me what's going on."

I shifted uncomfortably, tapping my thumb on the mug I'd been holding. I could already feel my chest tightening at the thought of explaining everything. And the lump in my throat that was beginning to form again. I had planned to tell her everything from start to finish but, how do I even start?

"San and I.." I anxiously shook my feet up and down, unable to control them

She raised an eyebrow, her expression softening into concern, "What happened?"

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I felt like I was admitting failure, a part of me still wanting to hide it, to avoid the confrontation, but I knew she wouldn't let it go now. Besides, it was about time I let her know.

"We- we're taking a break from our relationship," I finished, unable to meet her eyes as I continued, "And it's partially my fault. Actually more than partially, it's mostly my fault."

My mother didn't say anything at first, just letting the silence stretch between us. Her gaze softened, but there was a weight to it, like she was waiting for me to process what I'd said.

"I did a few stupid things," I added, my voice almost a whisper. "So he said we needed a break to rebuild our trust."

She looked at me, her expression unreadable for a moment, before her eyes softened with understanding. "Was it from then, when I stopped by?"

I nodded, the guilt heavy in my chest. "Yes," I breathed out , "what happened was-"

"Don't," she stopped me, "you don't need to explain anything to me." She sighed, her hand reaching across the table to gently squeeze mine. "Leo, I know you're scared but you should've told me sooner. No matter what happened, you're still my daughter Leo, I'm here for you."

I swallowed, feeling my throat tighten. "I messed up, and I don't know what to do."

As soon as the words escaped my mouth I felt something inside of me break. I found myself wiping away the stream of tears falling from my eyes. The weight of everything suddenly crashed down on me.

My mom stood up from her seat and sat beside me, "Everything always works out in the end, everything will be okay." She held me tightly in her arms

I pressed my hands to my face, hiding the tears that fell nonstop, "I don't want to lose him."

My mom didn't say anything more. She just let me cry, offering comfort through her presence. And it worked, I knew it would work. She held me for as long as I needed, reminding me that I was in fact not alone.

"Would you like to come back with us for a while?" She suddenly asked

"I can't," I spoke after I've calmed enough to be able to pronounce words, "work."

"Then should I stay?" She raised a brow as she faced me

"No mom," I smiled, "I'll be fine. Besides, I don't want to rely on you too much."