Mei and Taro continued their stroll, but the atmosphere had shifted.
"What's wrong with you, Taro?" Mei asked, exasperation creeping into her voice. "Can't you be serious for just one minute?"
Taro chuckled. "What are you talking about? I'm on a date with you, aren't I?"
Mei glared, her eyes flashing. "You think this is funny?"
Taro's grin faltered. "What's gotten into you?"
"Maybe you're sad because I hurt your Oppa's feelings,or maybe he's your boyfriend."
Taro's words ignited Mei's fury.
"You're a bastard, Taro!" she hissed, quickening her pace.
Taro rushed to catch up. "Hey, Mei... wait up! I'm sorry!"
Mei tuned out his apologies, her anger boiling over. She hailed a taxi and sped away, leaving Taro behind.
As I sat in the taxi, my mind raced. I was worried Kaito would tell Dad about my fake date with Taro. I couldn't let that happen.
The taxi stopped, and I stepped out, opening the front door. "Sigh... I'm so tired today."
I trudged to my room, collapsing onto my bed. But my rest was short-lived.
I picked up my phone and dialed Kaito's number. He answered on the first ring. "Hello?"
"Hi, Kaito. Are you free right now?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"Yeah, why?" Kaito replied.
"I need to tell you something," I said, hesitating.
"Sure, say it," Kaito urged.
"No, first, I have a question." I stalled.
"Okay, ask away," Kaito said, amusement creeping into his voice.
"Did you tell Dad about today?" I blurted.
Kaito feigned ignorance. "About today? What happened today?"
I knew he was teasing me. "About me and Taro on a date... but it wasn't a real date, haha."
Kaito chuckled. "No, I didn't tell him."
Relief washed over me, but Kaito's next words sent my heart racing.
"I didn't tell him anything... yet."
"Kaito, please! Taro was lying. I only helped him, and when you showed up, he joked around. I swear on my name. Please tell Dad it was a misunderstanding."
Kaito's laughter sent shivers down my spine. "I was joking, Mei. I didn't tell anyone."
His tone darkened, and I sensed a sinister undertone.
"Why were you helping Taro, Mei?"
I explained everything, leaving out no details.
Kaito's face seemed to darken, his expression twisted in a menacing glare. "You're a young girl, Mei. Stay away from boys. If you need math help, I'll assist you."
"No oppa you don't have to taro will help me " .
''mei i said i can help you because I'm free these days "
"Really, Oppa? You'd help me?" I asked, touched.
"Don't worry about my college work. I'll teach you," Kaito said, his tone softening.
"Thank you, Oppa. I'll schedule a time soon."
Kaito's voice turned stern. "Remember, Mei. Stay away from boys."
"Okay, Oppa. Bye. See you soon."
Sunday Morning
My phone's incessant ringing pierced the air. I groggily reached for it, opening one eye while the other remained shut.
"Hello?" I mumbled.
"Hi, Mei. Are you asleep?" Kaito's voice echoed through the line.
"No, I'm not asleep," I quickly replied, sitting up straight and rubbing my eyes.
Kaito chuckled. "Really? From your sound, I thought you were half asleep."
I shook off the sleepiness. "What's up, Oppa?"
"Today's Sunday, so I can start giving you math tuition. How about we begin today?" Kaito asked.
"Really, Kaito... I mean, Oppa? That's great!"
"Why don't you come to my house?" Kaito suggested.
I hesitated. "Your house? Can't we just go to the library or café?"
Kaito's tone turned curious. "Why don't you want to come to my house?"
I swiftly clarified, "No, no, it's not like that, Oppa. I'll come to your house. Just send me your address."
Kaito's laughter returned. "Okay, I'll send it. Don't be late; it's already 9 o'clock."
"Yes, Oppa. Bye. I'll see you soon."
"Bye, Mei."
I ended the call and rushed to the bathroom. Time to get ready.
In front of my closet, I deliberated. "What should I wear?"
I picked a lavender shirt dress with baby pink flowers. "Simple, yet fashionable."
My phone buzzed again. Kaito's text displayed his address. "Oh, I know this place."
After showering and dressing, I booked a taxi and headed to Kaito's house.
Standing before his gate, I gripped my bag straps tightly, nerves fluttering.
I rang the bell. A maid opened the door, greeting me warmly.
"Hello," I replied, following her inside.
The maid led me to the living room, where Kaito sat on the sofa, engrossed in his phone.
A woman sat beside him, her eyes fixed on me.
As I entered, she rose, approaching me with a bright smile.
"Hi, dear. You must be Mei, right?"
I nodded,"yes I'm mei-seon", unsure how to react.
"Welcome, Mei," Kaito said, standing up. "This is my mom."
His mom's warm eyes put me at ease.
"Nice to meet you, Mei," she said, her voice gentle.
"Come on, dear, let's eat something," Kaito's mom said, ushering me to the dining table.
I sat down, and Kaito took a seat across from me.
"Today, I made some Korean dishes and Japanese favorites," Kaito's mom announced. "Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Japchae, and Kimchi Stew, alongside Sushi, Ramen, and Gyoza."
"Anti, you didn't have to," I protested.
Kaito's mom chuckled. "Of course, dear. You're my son's friend. And I want to know, how are my Korean dishes? As a Japanese person, I'm not familiar with all the nuances."
She winked at me. "Eat up, okay? After lunch, Kaito will teach you math."
"Yes, Anti," I replied, smiling.
Kaito's mom beamed, pleased.
We began eating, and I savored the flavors.