You can try to simplify romance

Reduce it to a touch

But maybe we're in love

“So, anyone new in your life?” Yongsun's Mom, Hyojin asked. 

“Mom...” Yongsun barely looked into Hyojin's eyes. She couldn't.

"What? You don't tell me about your love life at all!"

"Maybe there's a reason why." Yongsun smirked and Hyojin reached over, tapping the tip of Yongsun's nose affectionately.

"Well... There's a reason why I asked you out for lunch today. And don't be mad at me first, just stay." Hyojin looked over Yongsun's shoulders and waved at someone.

"Wha—" Yongsun had no time to react before she noticed someone standing behind her.

“Hi, Mrs Kim. Hello, Yongsun-ssi.” Heeyeon greeted them politely. “Are you sure I should join? I wouldn’t want to disturb your mother-daughter time.”

“Nonsense, we’re just having a casual lunch.” Hyojin gestures for Heeyeon to sit next to Yongsun.

There was a silence between the three of them that was so awkward, Yongsun thought she could die. 

Finally, Hyojin cleared , “So, Heeyeon, how would you feel about going on a date with Yongsun?"

Yongsun almost choked on her food. 

“Mom, please.” 

“What? It’s not like you’re dating someone.”

“Ugh, I'm fine living by myself, okay?” Yongsun turned to Heeyeon, flashing an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry if my mom made you uncomfortable.” 

“She didn’t. I was looking forward to meeting you, so this was nice.” Heeyeon smiled gently.

Yongsun nodded and eyed Hyojin, “Mom, you’re done, let’s go.”

“You—“ Yongsun didn’t give Hyojin a chance to protest before she was dragged away by her daughter.

They stopped at the fish pond that was about one minute away from the cafe and Yongsun let out a sigh. 

“What's the matter, baby? Heeyeon graduated from Seoul National University like you, too. She's going to be a doctor, you guys are perfect together.”

"Mom... Please just stay out of my love life, okay?" Yongsun sighed and left Hyojin to return home.

It wasn't that Yongsun was embarrassed or ashamed that she's dating Byulyi. Hyojin always had high hopes for Yongsun and only wanted her to have the best things in life. Well, a partner included. It wasn't going to be easy convincing Hyojin to let her date an ex-convict. She and Byulyi are somewhat stable in their relationship, she wasn't going to risk it or screw it up.

—

Yongsun s