Sinful Passion

two

"Next!"

"Next!"

"Next...!!"

Chaeyoung's basketball coach, Coach Kim, was practising some drills with the team.  With every shout, a new player came to the front of the line and tried to shoot a ball through the hoop.  It was Chaeyoung's turn again. She aimed and shot the ball, and missed. This wasn't good. Her accuracy rate today was about 80%, way too low for the inter-highs.

"Chaeyoung-ssi!"  Coach Kim scolded.  "Get it together!"

"Yes, Coach!"  Chaeyoung replied, quickly running to the back of the line to restart the cycle of drills.  Coach was extra hard on her because she was the captain, but she knew he meant well.

After practice was over, Chaeyoung did the usual, shower and freshen up.  But she was a little annoyed today because she forgot to bring a change of clothes, so she had to change back into her icky basketball jersey and shorts.  Oh well. It had to be done. Chaeyoung checked her phone.

[Dad, 07:23] Where are you?  Mina is already here and we're waiting for you to start dinner.

Oh crap.  Chaeyoung completely forgot about tonight's dinner with her dad's new wife.  Wife-to-be? Fiancée? Girlfriend? Whatever. The point was, Chaeyoung was late and her stupid brain decided to completely forget the important event.  Her panic caused her to freeze for a few seconds, wasting away the precious ticking time. Finally, she speed-walked out of school and to the nearest bus stop, trying to get home as fast as possible.

Once Chaeyoung reached her house, she opened the door and stepped inside.

"Sorry, dad.  I had practice today and-"

Chaeyoung froze when she saw the scene before her.  Her dad was in the living room with a woman, and they'd been chatting before Chaeyoung entered.  As soon as she did, both of them stopped and stood up.

The woman was gorgeous.  She had medium-length black hair that looked soft and silky, flawless smooth and pale skin, bright pretty eyes, pretty facial features, and a kind smile.

"Chaeyoung, you're home," Chaeyoung's dad said.  Thankfully, he didn't seem upset that she was late.

Chaeyoung nodded.  "Who's this? And where's your fiancée?"

He chuckled.  "This is her. This is Mina."

Chaeyoung's jaw dropped, her eyes darting between her dad and the woman standing next to him.  No way. There was just no way. She looked so young. And so beautiful too. No offence to her dad, but how on earth did he find someone like this woman?  And where? And what was she doing in Chaeyoung's house? And she was going to be Chaeyoung's new mom???

The questions mixed together like a concoction of pure confusion.  Chaeyoung forced herself to close her mouth, to prevent herself from looking any stupider.  Then, Mina extended her hand to Chaeyoung for a handshake and smiled. "Hello. Um, my name is Mina.  I'm sure your father has told you about me..."

Of course.  Saying 'I'm marrying your father' or 'I'm going to be your new mom' sounded way too awkward.  Chaeyoung accepted Mina's handshake, surprised by how soft her skin was. Weird. "Hi, I'm Chaeyoung."

Chaeyoung let go of Mina's hand, and a quick glance towards the dinner table revealed that the food was already all laid out.  She turned back to her -parents-, saying," I'm sorry again for being late. I'll quickly go and change first, then let's eat."

Once Chaeyoung was ready, she joined her father and Mina at the dinner table, sitting across from them.  Chaeyoung could tell Mina was nervous about meeting her for the first time. She was having trouble talking and making eye contact with Chaeyoung.  Chaeyoung initially felt apprehensive about Mina, but seeing her struggle to make a connection with her was starting to make Chaeyoung feel bad for her.