Chapter 25: Nice to Meet You, Mom. My Name is Heena. (4) (feat. Heena)

    TL: looloo

    Schedule: 4/Week Wed-Sat

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    I''ll reach out to Yeonho again today.

    Each day, I feel a bit closer, a tad more familiar, and slightly more intimate than the day before.

    I''ve come to enjoy the changing distances between us with each passing day.

    I wonder what I was like back then.

    Even in times when I was unaware of love,

    Was I gradually drawing nearer to you?

    ---

    Raei Translations

    ---

    Dating every day could become monotonous. I had that thought.

    While I couldn’t imagine feeling that way, I believed Yeonho might.

    It was hard to discern the depth of his feelings, leaving me uncertain about everything.

    So, I introduced the idea of studying together.

    Though I genuinely wanted to help, it wasn''t solely for my personal desires.

    Being able to attend the same university previously was indeed due to Yeonho''s good luck.

    In the end,

    Whenever I was with him, regardless of what we were doing, I was happy.

    ---

    Raei Translations

    ---

    I booked a study cafe near the school and waited for him.

    Though I had my books spread out, the anticipation felt like waiting for a date.

    We''ve been dating for just over a month.

    Every day, my feelings for Yeonho grew stronger than the day before. So intense that I sometimes feared my own emotions.

    I often caught myself touching my lips, thinking of the missed opportunity.

    That day, I had deeply regretted not sharing a kiss.

    But having missed the moment, I chose to be patient. I had set my boundaries, trusting that Yeonho would approach when ready.

    However, without the right ambiance, it''s hard to take the first step. The perfect moment was essential.

    While a simple spark could be ignited nearby, I yearned for a more special place.

    Given it''s summer,

    Perhaps at the beach or in a hotel.

    Kissing in such a setting would undoubtedly be romantic.

    A memory to forever cherish, for both me and Yeonho.

    ---

    Raei Translations

    ---

    "But I really think just a bit more would be better..."

    "Like, maybe increasing our study days during the week?"

    I say to him, half-joking, half-serious.

    As straightforward as a young child.

    Even in this manner, my desire to see him daily was genuine. But I also wanted to respect Yeonho''s time, so I said it partly in jest.

    It was hard to hold back laughter, seeing him unsure how to respond to my words.

    Even though he knew I wasn''t completely serious, his reactions to my actions and words were so endearing. I nearly pulled him into a hug right there.

    But we continued studying as if nothing happened.

    A few hours later, as we were wrapping up,

    Yeonho brought up the idea of meeting on Sundays too.

    It must''ve been because of what I''d mentioned earlier. I always knew Yeonho was considerate.

    It was somewhat intentional on my part, but I also felt bad for potentially making him uncomfortable, so I apologized with a sincere tone.

    But he responded light-heartedly,

    "Besides, seeing you, Heena, is like a break for me. Isn''t relaxation important?"

    Raei Translations

    ---

    "You two are going together?"

    Before visiting Yeonho''s house, I mentioned to my mom that Yeonho and I were planning to go to the beach once the holidays began. Her eyes widened in surprise.

    "Heena, if you''ve made up your mind, I suppose it''s alright. But what did Yeonho say?"

    "He was a bit hesitant at first, but he agreed."

    "Really? Oh my, at this rate, I might be seeing a grandchild sooner than I thought!"

    I sighed in relief seeing my mom chuckling behind her hand. At least she didn''t seem opposed to the idea.

    However, while my dad seemed fond of Yeonho, the idea of us spending the night out seemed to displease him.

    "Can you help with the hotel reservation, then?"

    "Just one room, right?"

    "Yes."

    Although my mom''s tone was teasing, I responded immediately.

    Both my mom and dad seemed taken aback by my answer. We had an extended discussion, but my decision stood firm.

    Whatever might happen, or even if something did, it didn''t bother me.

    ---

    Raei Translations

    ---

    Before arriving at Yeonho''s house on Sunday.

    I took countless deep breaths, feeling the tension grip my entire body.

    Thinking about the fact that I was meeting the woman who would someday be my mother-in-law.

    Recalling the incredibly warm looks and words given to me, even when I was broken.

    As soon as Yeonho and I opened the door, his mother promptly came out to greet us at the entrance.

    Even though I was so nervous, facing her made me feel surprisingly at ease, as if it were all a lie.

    "Nice to meet you, ma''am. My name is Heena."

    To my greeting, she replied with an ever-smiling face,

    "Welcome. It''s been quite hot recently, hasn''t it? I hope your journey here wasn''t too tiring."

    Her kindness reminded me of a past moment when she had seen me with bandages on my face and leaning on crutches.

    For a split second, I felt a surge of emotions, on the verge of tears, but I held back.

    Following her guidance, we went to the living room and chatted.

    Mostly about the days I spent with Yeonho.

    Before this, I had met her, but our encounters were brief, and once I couldn''t control my emotions, which hindered our conversation.

    Only now could I talk with Yeonho''s family. I regretted not meeting his father today.

    I also heard that she had kindly booked a hotel for us.

    I was immensely grateful. Knowing it would be rude to decline, especially after she had taken such an initiative.

    But I thought she wouldn''t book a double room out of consideration for me.

    "Would it be possible to change it to a double room? It might be less of a burden for you."

    "Don''t worry about us, ma''am. We''re still students."

    I emphasized that I had already booked a separate room for myself.

    I was a bit worried that I might come across as too pushy, but luckily, she didn''t seem to take it negatively.

    After chatting a bit more, she excused herself.

    In Yeonho''s room, we looked at his childhood photos, some of which I had seen before.

    After about an hour, fearing an awkward encounter with his older brother, as Yeonho hinted, we headed out to a cafe?.

    We then made plans for the upcoming summer vacation and a trip to the beach.

    Just the thought of it was incredibly joyful and filled with anticipation for the moments to come.

    We started dating at the end of last summer.

    Before the season could come full circle, I faced a major challenge.

    This would be our very first trip to the beach together.

    It was our inaugural seaside journey as a couple.

    Author''s Note:

    What...? No more cliffhangers?

    Thank you for enjoying my writing! Love you so much, thank you!

    To all the readers who always leave comments, recommendations, and show interest, thank you!

    Love you!