HERSHE - SEULRENE

SR - Chance

Irene was relieved Bogum didn't show up the next day. And as her mom promised, the bugging indeed stopped.

On the other hand, Seulgi has not called her yet. Irene's been waiting for that because hearing Seulgi's voice would help her forget her mom and Bogum for a little while.

Truth is, she feels confused.

The little girl that had been crushing on Bogum since the day Irene can't remember is still inside her. But what's adds up to her confusion is the feelings she's developed towards Seulgi.

It's different and similar in a way. She doesn't know what to make of it. Yet, she knows choosing one over the other can cause either a concord or a rift between her and mom.

Irene doesn't want to imagine the consequences yet.

Is there a way she could find out who matters most?

---

It was Sunday afternoon, after a trip to the grocery store when Irene and her mom saw the familiar black car in front of their gate.

"Now look at that." her mom pulled the car over.

Irene's eyes widened when Bogum stepped out from the driver's side and walked towards them.

"Hey." He leaned inside the car window on her mom's side.

"Hey, darling. It's great to see you." The older woman pinched Bogum's cheek. "Where have you been? Irene was waiting for you since Thursday."

"Mom!"

"I'm just kidding, darling." Irene's mom laughed.

"I was on an out-of-town business trip these past few days. I came back just last night," said Bogum.

"How long have you been waiting there? You should have called me or Irene to tell us you're dropping by. We went out to get some groceries."

"Nah. It's fine. It was just for a couple of minutes. And I don't have your numbers yet."

"Oh. I'll give it to you inside, okay?" said Irene's mom.

"That would be great." Bogum smiled at them. "By the way, can I help you with the groceries?"

---

"Thanks for the help." Irene's mom handed Bogum a glass of cold water.

"Thanks." Bogum handed back the glass after downing it. "And you're welcome."

"Do you have something to do this evening? I hope you could stay for dinner."

Irene was smiling as she put the condiments in the cabinet. She know her mom's pushing it again.

"Umm. Well... I was hoping I could take Irene out for dinner..." said Bogum.

Irene turned around to look at him, surprised.

"Really?" Irene's mom was surprised too.

"Y-yeah." Bogum nodded hesitantly. "If... if... if only Irene's available."

"Yeah. Sure. Of course, son," the older lady answered. "She doesn't have plans for the entire day either. Am I right, Irene?"

Irene met eyes with her mom and knew she needs to do her part of the deal. "Yes."

---

Bogum took Irene to a waterfront restaurant where they had a multi-course dinner overlooking a lake. It wasn't romantic, but not casual either.

Although Irene thought it would be awkward, like her previous dates before, it surprised Irene she's having fun again.

After their dinner, they went for a moonlit stroll at the park with a cup of tea in their hands. Most of the people around were couples having their own little worlds.