Chapter 143
The laughter gradually faded, leaving a warm residue of joy in the air, and it was then that my mom's curiosity surfaced like a shy wave. "So today is also your last day at school ?" she inquired, her gaze dancing between our faces, searching for answers.
Nella chuckled softly, a light, musical sound that seemed to brighten the moment. "Oh no, I'm actually in college. I just came to visit my brother," she replied, her voice ringing with youthful brightness.
My mom's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I thought you were finishing high school with them," she said, her tone wrapped in an apologetic warmth.
From that point on, the conversation flowed as if it were an old, familiar stream—filled with laughter, playful jabs, and the kind of warmth that only blossomed in unexpected connections. As we began to wind down, my mom slipped into the car, and I followed her, the door closing off the world outside.
Settling into my seat, I caught sight of Hyun Min. Our eyes met, and he gave me a subtle signal—a slight tilt of his head and a playful lift of his eyebrow—as if to say, "I'll call you." That look was all too familiar, making my heart flutter like a butterfly caught in a gentle breeze.
My mom, nestled beside me, noticed our exchange and smiled knowingly, her eyes dancing between us. She glanced at Hyun Min, then back at me, her expression a delightful mix of warmth and amusement that made my cheeks warm and my heart race.
As the car pulled away, I couldn't resist the urge to wave at Hyun Min, who stood rooted in place, Nella by his side, watching us depart. His gaze remained locked with mine, a pool of unspoken promises, and I felt a rush of exhilaration as the distance stretched between us. Hyun Min's smile lingered in my mind, a gentle reminder that this was just the beginning, and deep down, I knew it wouldn't be the last I'd see of him.
As the car vanished into the distance, Nella's voice broke the silence, her tone laced with amusement. "You're really crushing on her, aren't you?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth.
Hyun Min's lips curved into a gentle smile as he gazed after the car, his eyes lost in thought. "I know, right? I'm totally under her spell," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, his words dripping with sincerity.
Nella's expression softened, and she spoke up again, her voice filled with warmth. "You're finally getting your life together, and I'm beyond relieved you found your mom."
Hyun Min's head whipped around, his eyes narrowing slightly as a mix of surprise and reprimand crossed his face. "You should've told me about mom, though," he said, his tone tinged with a hint of disappointment.
Nella's eyes darted up to meet his, and she seemed at a loss for words, her face a picture of contrition. Hyun Min's face relaxed into a chuckle, and he began walking away, his long strides eating up the distance.
Nella followed him, her voice rising in excitement. "Hey, want to grab dinner this weekend? With your girlfriend too?"she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief, her tone hopeful.
Hyun Min turned to face her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Maybe," he said, his tone smooth, noncommittal.
Nella's expression turned determined, her eyes flashing with a fierce light. "We're having dinner at Granny's, and you're not getting out of it," she said, her tone dismissive yet commanding, brooking no argument.
Before he could react, Nella's hand shot out, and she playfully hit him on the arm. "Ouch! What's that for?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners, a laugh bubbling up in his throat.
Nella just smiled and turned to walk away, leaving Hyun Min to watch her go, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on his face. He shook his head, chuckling softly, before turning to head towards his mother's car.
As he slid into the passenger seat, his mother smiled and started the engine, her eyes warm and welcoming. "Ready to go, sweetie?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Hyun Min ignored her and his mother began to drive, carrying him away from the vibrant scene he had just left behind, the sound of the engine purring smoothly as they glided through the streets.
As the car sped away, Soo Young's curiosity got the better of her. "When is the graduation ceremony?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine interest.
Hyun Min's gaze drifted out the window, his eyes lost in thought. "I'm not entirely sure," he replied, his voice calm and measured. "I'll reach out to the principal's office later to get the details."
Soo Young's brow furrowed slightly, her eyes narrowing in inquiry. "Didn't they send out an announcement or something?" she pressed, her tone gentle yet probing.
Hyun Min shook his head, his expression neutral. "I wasn't there for the announcement, so I'm not aware of the specifics," he said, his voice even and detached.
Soo Young's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her face lighting up with interest. "Oh, I see," she said, her voice light and friendly. "And when is your birthday?"
Hyun Min's expression turned guarded, his eyes flashing with wariness. "Why does it matter?" he asked, his tone a bit reserved. "It's already passed."
Soo Young didn't seem deterred by his reserve. "Oh, okay," she said, her eyes locked on his face. "So, how old are you now?"
Hyun Min's face twisted in a mixture of frustration and amusement. "Mother, these questions are rather unnecessary, don't you think?" he said, his tone dry and slightly sarcastic.
Soo Young's eyes widened in surprise, and she stared at him, her face pale. "Wait, did you just call me 'Mother'?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her tone laced with shock.
Hyun Min's eyes snapped back to hers, and he looked taken aback, his face a picture of shock. He seemed to realize what he had just said, and his eyes widened in surprise.
"Forget I said that," he muttered, sighing as he turned away from her, looking out the window, his face a mask of indifference. The silence that followed was oppressive, the tension between them palpable.