[eBook] Crush On You Ep. 23 - (A MiChaeng FF Story)

Chaeng: Is dad already home?

Chaeng Mom: Yeah! He arrived last night, and he's so excited to see you. It's been a while. Isn't it?

**Chaeng smiled. Her dad travels a lot, that's part of his job, while Chaeng rarely comes home because of school and work. So it makes it so difficult for them to see each other.**

Chaeng: Yeah! Good thing it's a holiday, at least we could spend some time together without conflicts in our schedules.

Chaeng Mom: Well, I'm just home waiting for all of you to come back. You know that.

**Chaeng leaned her head on the headrest and stared outside. She feels guilty for not coming home that often because she spent most of her free time with her friends, instead of visiting her mom and her brother Hyun at home.**

Chaeng: I'm sorry, mom.

**Her mom glanced at her for a second and smiled.**

Chaeng mom: Sorry for what?

Chaeng: For not coming home that often, mom.

Chaeng Mom: It's okay, honey. I know that's part of being an adult. Having more things to do in life.

Chaeng: But I guess I need to act like an adult too, mom. You know, setting up priorities, and I should put you on top of it.

Chaeng Mom: That's fine honey. You need to find yourself first. Besides, I'm just home, you know.

**I love you, mom. She wants to say, but since expressing herself isn't her forte, she knows her mom already knew what she wants to say.**

Chaeng Mom: Anyway, what do you want for lunch? Well, especially you, honey?

**Chaeng's mom peeked at Mina through the rearview mirror.**

**Mina got startled from the sudden reference. She doesn't know what to say.**

Mina: Hmm... I have nothing in mind, ma'am. Maybe something that Chaeyoung loves. Her favorites, maybe?

Chaeng Mom: Hmm... Okay, I have something in mind, but I was thinking maybe it's fair if I cook something for you, too. Just to know you a little. And also Mina, can you stop calling me ma'am? Just mom, okay?

**Mina's hands suddenly feel sweaty, though she feels so cold at the back.**

**Mom? She thought.**

Mina: All right, mom?

Chaeng Mom: Oooh! That doesn't sound good. Isn't it? But don't worry, you'll get used to it.

**Then Mina saw her winked in the rearview mirror. She immediately bowed her head to apologize.**

Chaeng: Mom! Don't surprise her with those things!

Chaeng Mom: What? Eventually...

Chaeng: Moooooom!

**Then her mom laughed.**

**Why is mom acting so weird? Chaeng thought.**

*****

**Hyun stopped playing basketball as soon as she saw Chaeng and their mom pulled over the garage.**

Hyun: Mom, dad's looking for you. I said you'll pick-up Chaeyoung at the dorm. Hello, Mina.

**He smiled endlessly.**

Chaeng Mom: Where is he now? Did you two have breakfast already? I cooked something for you two.

Hyun: Yes, mom. Dad saw it, then we had breakfast together. I think he's in the living room.

**Mina pulled the back hem of Chaeng's shirt to get her attention.**

**Chaeng immediately whirled to Mina to ask what it was.**

Mina: We forgot to give this.

**She whispered.**

Chaeng: Mom!

**Chaeng called to get her mom's attention.**

Chaeng Mom: Yes, honey?

**Then Chaeng smiled at Mina and signaled her to give the paper bag to her mom.**

Mina: Just a little something for you, mom.

**She was still battling whether to call her mom or not, but she said it anyway. She's right. Maybe she'll get used to it, eventually.**

Chaeng Mom: What's this?

**She said smiling.**

Chaeng Mom: Oh!

**She exclaimed.**

Chaeng Mom: Thank you, Mina! I love this!

**Mina bought her a dried persimmon and a wine. Something that she and her husband could indulge in this holiday.**

Chaeng Mom: Why do I feel like I'm receiving this from an in-law? Hmm...

**She grinned. She's really enjoying this teasing game with Chaeng 'cause she saw her covered her face with her left hand.**

Hyun: 'Cause maybe she is, mom?

**Chaeng swayed her right foot towards Hyun, trying to kick him, but not really meant to do so.**

**Mina gulped, she could feel her face burning. Thank God the sun is so high that it won't reveal the red in her face.**

Chaeng Mom: Okay, you two stop. Let's go inside. You little kid, come inside, too. I have a task for you.

Hyun: Mom! The weather is nice. So why not let me play here a little more? And you should, too!

**Chaeng and Mina giggled.**

Chaeng Mom: What?

Hyun: Just kidding, mom. What is it?

Chaeng Mom: Just follow me inside. I'll show you the things I forgot to buy for today's lunch.

**Hyun scratched the back of his neck, and hid his face from everyone.**

Hyun: Fine, mom.

**Chaeng stopped for a second, waiting for her mom and Hyun to enter the house before she turned to face Mina.**

Chaeng: Sorry.

**She said apologetically.**

Chaeng: Sometimes they really don't mind if they'll embarrass me or not. But they're nice. It's just, sometimes they're so...

Mina: Hey, they're great. I mean, I feel like they like me 'cause they could fool around me. And I like the fact that they're so...

Chaeng: Teasing, I know.

**Mina giggled. She really feels welcomed, and she loves it. It feels like she already god the approval she needs.**

***TO BE CONTINUED***

Episode 22       Episode 24