My Moon Flower 『ᴊᴀᴇᴡᴏᴏ』

Chapter 19 : A Cup of Fate

Jaehyun's Mom POV 

3 years ago...

I walked around town with no destination in mind. I just want to get out of the house and compose my thoughts. Yesterday was Jaehyun's highschool graduation and the day he finally open up about his sexuality. For a long time, I already took some hints as a sign but I never openly address it with him, since I know he will tell me about it once he's ready.

When he finally admitted that he was gay, I was unexpectedly consumed with mixed emotions. Yes, I am happy because he finally understand himself. Happy, that he gave me the same trust as I have given him. Happy, that he knows I'm here to support him no matter his choices are. But as a mom, happiness is not everything. 

I feel concern about his future, if he will be bullied because of his sexuality. How people will look at him with disapproval and disgust. How can he be accepted by a close-minded society who is in need of change? How can my baby cope with that? I thought as I sighed while I entered a random alleyway filled with shops.

I feel guilty too about the possibility that my status as a single parent might've affected his sexuality. A nagging voice at the back of my mind blames me for not finding a good father figure for him. If he has a father that he can look up to, will he still be gay?  I mused as my feet absentmindedly brought me in front of an old shop. The shop looks like a cafe with a middle eastern vibe, complete with turquoise poufs, golden lanterns, and tropical plants inside.

A couple got out of the shop hand in hand as they walked away, joking with one another. My Jaehyun will never have that kind of moment with a girl anymore, I thought as I gazed at them.

"Reading for your thoughts?" asked by a man with dark brown hair who is standing at the entrance of the shop.

"Sorry?" I replied as I didn't notice him awhile ago.

"Something is bothering you," he pointed out.

"Uh, yes. I guess there is." I answered as I make a move to walk away.

"Let's drink coffee, on the house." he insisted as he gave me a sweet smile. Not wanting to be rude since he offered with a smile, I hesitatingly walk inside the shop as he let me in. The moment I stepped in the shop, I was instantly surrounded with the smell of freshly brewed Arabic coffee and another unique exotic scent.

"What's that smell?" I asked the mysterious stranger.

"What can you smell?" he asked. His eyes glinted with a hint of excitement.

"Flowery but exotic. Rich and sweet." I answered as I sniffed the air again. 

"And what color  do you have in mind?" he added as he walked towards the coffee station.

"Color? Maybe...white?" I responded to his unusual question.

"Hmm...yasamin. A good choice." he replied with an all-knowing smile playing on his lips.  "Let's sit here." he pointed to a round wooden table at the corner. I voluntarily sat down as he asked and enjoyed the smell of the coffee that he have placed in front of me. 

"You're not drinking?' I asked as I noticed that he only prepared one cup.

"No. I've been drinking coffee for what seems like eternity." he answered as he took out a rectangular gold box out of nowhere. "Besides, I like to watch people enjoy my creation." he added as he opened the box and winked at me.