That evening, Soorin had dinner with her parents.
Her father asked about work.
"It's fine. Busy."
"And the drama? The photos?"
"Handled. Security's on it."
"Good. They should be glad I'm trying to hold back because you wanted that."
They ate in comfortable silence.
Then her mother said, "You seem lighter today."
"Do I?"
"Yes. Did something good happen?"
Soorin hesitated.
"I'm seeing someone. Maybe. We're trying."
Her parents exchanged glances.
"The safe one?" her mother asked.
"Yeah."
"And HAEL?"
"What about him?"
"Are you over him?"
Soorin set down her chopsticks.
"I don't know. But I'm trying to be."
Her father reached over.
Squeezed her hand.
"That's all we can ask."
★☆★☆★☆
Later, in her room, Soorin's phone buzzed.
Minjae.
[Made it home okay?]
[Yeah. Just had dinner with my parents.]
[How'd that go?]
[Good. Told them about us.]
[And?]
[They're supportive. Cautiously.]
[I'll take it. Get some rest. I'll see you Thursday?]
[Thursday. Night.]
