Taeho:

  “Miss Anya?”

  I hear my mom yelling at our guest to get up for breakfast.

  “Eomma. Can you not do that? She’s entitled to get up when she likes,” I yell at her while serving my own share of the meal in the kitchen.

  “Nonsense. This is the second morning she’s slept in, and I don’t want her to miss breakfast. Besides, she has her first class this morning,” She beams.

  “That’s not really your business.”

  “She’s living in my house so of course it is.” Leave it to my mom to interfere in other people’s lives. I know this house means more to her since my dad’s retired from his architecture firm. Having him around all the time annoys her, so she’s finding ways to keep herself occupied. It’s just a shame that one of the ways she keeps herself busy is meddling in other people’s affairs. Anya’s affairs.

  “Eomma. This is my house, remember?”

  She waves her hands at me to be quiet before going back to yelling at Anya.

  When I hear Anya yell back, it makes me smile. At least she’ll get a true insight into South Korean culture this way. There’s nothing like living with old-fashioned customs and waking up with Korean expectation that you need to crack on with work as soon as you get up. At least, that’s how my family works.

  Half an hour later, Anya walks out in the kitchen looking smart and gorgeous in a black outfit and makeup that makes her look like a goddess. I have a hard time keeping my eyes off her and she notices.

  “Is it too much?” She blushes.

  “What? N-no,” I stumble before eating my last few bites of banchan.

  Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

  “I don’t like standing out, but I have the feeling I’m going to stand out no matter what,” she says as she walks up to the island to eat.

  “You’re not wrong,” is all I say before putting my dirty dishes in the sink.

  “Oh, you look like celebrity,” my mom chimes in and gives her the biggest smile.

  “That wasn’t the look I was going for,” Anya says while covering her mouth full of food.

  “It’ll be fine,” I reassure her.

  Just fine? Is that the best I can do? I won’t deny I’m a little worried. She’s going to get everyone’s attention and then some. And if I know anything about South Korean beauty standards, she’s definitely up there. She’s going to have eyes on her from the minute she steps out the door. Maybe if she’d eased off the fire red lipstick… Wait. Why do I even care?

  She eats breakfast quickly, then goes to the entryway to put on her signature red boots—I like her style. It’s a little edgy mixed with her retro-style mini-skirt and blouse. The total opposite of Eliza’s usual classic taste in pantsuits and monochrome-coloured blazers.

  My mom elbows me hard in the flank and it’s only then that I realize I’ve been staring.

  “Why don’t you take her to school this morning?” she whispers.

  “What?” I say, rubbing my side. I’m confused by her suggestion, but when I turn to face my mom, her smile says it all. She’s up to something, and she’s not being subtle about it. “Eomma,” I say glaring at her.

  “You have nothing better to do with your time today so why not offer her a ride?” She flicks her hand in a shooing motion towards the door.

  “Right,” I sigh, running my hand through my hair.

  “Hey, do you want me to drive you to school?” I ask Anya.

  “Oh. No, that’s ok. I was going to take the bus.”

  “Not the bus. You accept my son’s ride. He’s more than happy to take you,” my mom insists while pushing us both out the door.

  “Well… only if that’s OK with him.” Anya stares hard at her, she’s clearly picked up on my mom’s vibe.

  “It’s fine. Really. I don’t mind,” I insist. “I have an appointment this morning anyways, and it’s on my way.”

  Anya stares at me then my mom, then back at me again.

  “Alright. I’ll accept a lift this once. For future reference though, Canadians always refuse an offer until someone caves—I’m just saving you the argument.”

  “Noted,” I laugh. She’s definitely got a spark, I’ll give her that. I’m not used to her keenness, and I’m finding it hard to find a reason not to like her. She’s got a really sweet personality, she’s funny, and I can’t put into words how attractive she is either.

  Stop. Eliza’s who you’re attracted to. Remember?

  Right. Eliza.

  ?Sky Mincharo