Sweetheart! Dinner time!" Yuni's mom called from the other side of her bedroom door, her voice cheerful. "Mom made your favorite dish tonight—come quickly!"
Yuni froze mid-thought. Oh no… I already had dinner with Elis.
But there was no way she could tell her mom that. If her mom ever found out she'd been at Elis's place this late, she'd probably never hear the end of it.
So, Yuni took a deep breath, fixed her hair, and opened the door with a smile that was just a little too bright.
Her mom was waiting by the table, arms crossed and eyes sharp with curiosity. Yuni walked toward her, trying to look casual, but she couldn't help the tiny giggles bubbling up as she remembered how she'd fallen asleep on Elis's shoulder.
Her mom narrowed her eyes. "What's so funny, young lady?" she asked, tugging gently at Yuni's ear.
Yuni yelped, rubbing her ear with a pout. "Nothing, Mom! Really, nothing!"
"'Nothing,' huh?" Her mom leaned closer, suspicious. "People don't giggle like that for no reason. Tell me what happened! Come on, I'm your best friend, aren't I?"
Yuni's face turned as red as a cherry. "Mooom! It's really nothing!" she stammered, her voice squeaky from embarrassment.
Just then, Yuni's dad walked out from the next room, adjusting his glasses and grinning like he'd heard everything. "Let her be," he said, chuckling. "She's growing up. If she's fallen in love, that just means I'll finally have new inspiration for my next romance comic!"
Both Yuni and her mom turned toward him with identical exasperated looks.
"Your dad and his romantic comics," her mom sighed dramatically. "Honestly, if you spent half as much energy on housework as you do writing love stories…"
Yuni's dad pretended not to hear, already sitting at the table. "Ahem, yes, yes, I'm a famous writer, remember? I have a new episode to post tomorrow. Must keep my readers happy!"
"Then at least eat your dinner first, Mr. Famous Writer," her mom said, rolling her eyes but smiling despite herself.
Yuni tried to hide her laughter as she sat down between them. The warm smell of food, her parents' playful bickering, and the echo of Elis's soft voice all swirled inside her heart—confusing, comforting, and wonderful all at once.
After dinner, they each drifted off to their rooms. Yuni lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her lips curving into a sleepy smile.
Elis… why do I keep smiling whenever I think of you?
And somewhere in another house, Elis was probably thinking the same thing.
To be Continued...