Secrets

16. Mom Learns A Secret

"You've been dating this boy for how long?!"

"Since June."

"I can't believe you forgot to tell your mother."

"Candy, shut up, you're the one who blew it."

"Actually your boyfriend blew it when he called." Candy gave me a challenging look.

"Did you have to call him my hickie dealer though?!"

"Obviously you don't look in the mirror before facetiming me. Your neck and chest are always covered when we talk."

"What?!"

"First of all, not always. Second, I'm going to kill you."

Yoongi had called me to make sure I'd made it home safely for my winter holiday. Candy had instantly started teasing, and my mother, unfortunately, was within earshot.

My parents had never let me date in school, and when I went onto college they had questioned me about it. My mother had even expressed worry she'd never get grandbabies. Even though my older brother and his wife had one and were expecting another. So, she was in shock about me dating. Also hurt that I hadn't told her and...well not pleased about the hickie revelation. Because having pretty consistent hickies around your neck and chest hints very strongly that your child is no longer a virgin. And my mom had this thing about marriage.

"You are...sexually active with this boy?"

"Yes."

"Like rabbits."

I threw a throw pillow and hit Candy square in her face.

My mom closed her eyes for a moment.

"Are you being safe?"

"Yes we are."

"How did you meet?"

"During my internship."

"At the music agency. What does he do there?"

"He's...a producer."

"He's a kpop idol. Don't lie to your mother."

"He is a producer."

"Half truth half lies!"

"Honestly, you two weren't made sisters because neither your mother nor I would have been able to handle you two."

"Sorry, mama." Candy looked down at her hands.

"Now, what exactly does this boy do at that company?"

I pouted before answeing. "He's a member of the boy group I went on tour with. He's a rapper. He also produces, composes, and writes music."

"You're dating an artist."

I nodded.

"How do you know he's not using you for sex? Or cheating on you when he's away?"

"I trust him."

"Are you sure you can trust him?"

"Yes."

"Why? What makes him so trustworthy?"

"He's never broken a promise to me. He's honest with me. He's not good at expressing his feelings, but he also always checks up on me. He makes sure to find time to have conversations or see me even though they're busy."

"Do you love him?"

"Very much so."

"Have you met his family yet?"

I shook my head. "There wasn't ever time. They don't live in Seoul. He offered to take me when we both can. But he wouldn't have me sacrificing school to visit his family."

"Does he worry about your schooling?"

"Quite a bit. He asks about my classes and grades. He also helps me when I need it."

"Why an artist?"

"I'm an artist."

"You're also a linguist. The world always needs translators. And you can take a business degree anywhere."

I sighed. My parents supported my goals. But they didn't approve. "He's also in college. Liberal arts major. Online schooling to fit in with his current career."

My mother nodded. "Well. You are still young. Just be careful. Just because he seems great now, doesn't mean he always will be. And you might find something better."

Hours later Candy had gone home and I'd gone up to my bedroom.

"So I'm hearing that your parents don't approve of me?"

I shook my head. I was facetiming Yoongi before bed. A bit too much of a timezone mess to be properly tired.

Yoongi seemed to consider that for a moment. "I'm not happy about that. It bothers me quite a bit."

"Well, they don't like that your an artist, or an idol. Pretty sure my mother is also not too fond of the fact that being with you also means my move to Seoul being potentially permanent if we workout."

Yoongi nodded. "I guess I'll have to come meet them someday."

I smiled. "I'd like that. Not so much the translating, but it'll be nice."

I yawned finally and Yoongi smiled. "Must be time for bed."

"I don't want to. I miss you. I hate that we're both such busy people."

"We have dreams. And our dreams brought us together. Be happy we're busy and dedicated. We wouldn't have met otherwise."

"Sometimes you spew the cutest things."

"Go to bed."

"Yes, Yoongi-nim."

He rolled his eyes. "I love you. Hang up."

"I don't want too. Stay on until I fall asleep."

"Fine."