caught in your fish tank

moms

Whenever he hangs out with his mom, he still feels like a little kid. It's been only the two of them for as long as he could remember, and she's always been the one taking care of him and smothering him with affection and attention. Jaebum likes when he can relieve some of her burden, he got his license as soon as he was of age because he wanted to drive her around instead of the opposite. He got a job as soon as he turned fifteen because he didn't want her to have to give him pocket money when she was the one footing all the bills. He learned to cook by watching her do it, so he could surprise her with a warm meal whenever she had a late night or a rough day at the hospital.

Even now, as he goes to get his hair dyed and cut, she tags along for his own appointment and Jaebum surprises her by turning it into a mother/son date. He tells her that he'll drive, he'll pay for both their services and even take her out to lunch after. Hyelin's thankful, insists that he doesn't have to do any of that because she's the mom, it's her job to take care of him, while Jaebum insists that it doesn't have to be like that anymore because he's legally an adult.

During their lunch, she gets a little teary over it, complains that he's growing up too fast and admits that she's already a little sad that he'll be going on a major vacation without her and then off to college and how she'll miss him being her little boy. Jaebum suggests she could always get a companion, preferably a cat or three. Hyelin laughs, tells him that maybe she will get one pet, and then also tells him that she's actually been seeing someone. "You're dating? When do you have the time?" Jaebum wonders.

"I'll have you know, Jaebum, I do not work 24/7 and do have a life outside of you and nursing."

"Who is it? Does he work with you?"

"You don't know him, but I went to school with him. His name is Minhyuk and yes, he works in the pediatric ward."

"Is it serious? When can I meet him?"

"Meet him??"

"Yes, I need to check him out." Jaebum pouts, "my mom can't be dating just any average guy."

"He's really sweet, a natural comedian too. He has no kids."

"Invite him over for dinner! I'll invite Seulgi, it'll be an awkward double date but maybe it'll be fun too."

"How is Seulgi?"

"She's good, I told her about my trip and she's a little bummed but we'll just have to work through it."

"You two are still going to date through college?"

"That's the plan? I love Seulgi, and I love being with her. I don't see that changing just because we're out of high school."

"I know, but you both are young. You don't have to settle for your high school sweetheart."

"I don't feel like I'm settling."

"Just a suggestion, but have you thought about breaking up at all? At least over the summer, so you both can get some more dating experience?"

"No, I haven't, because the thought of not being with Seulgi is weird to me."

"I love Seulgi, you know I do, but I also know what it's like to settle and I don't want either of you to feel that way."

"I'm a result of your settling..." Jaebum reminds her.

"I know, and I'm thankful for that, but as much as you bring me joy, my marriage to your father didn't."

"I'll keep your comments in mind." Jaebum lies to appease her and also end this part of their discussion.