Eyes rolled. Jaws dropped. Breathing ceased. The pen almost fell down from my grip.

“Mom, are you pulling my leg?

“Of course no, honey.”

“Then, is this some kind of an April fool joke of yours?

Soft chuckles heard from the other line.

“Taeng, April has come and passed. It’s almost June okay. So, this is not a joke.”

I smacked my forehead. Gosh, this is not happening!

“Then, are you being serious?”

“You think? Obviously I am. This is no joking matter.”

“Then, weiyo?”

“Simply because…”

“Because of what? Just spill omma. Don’t leave me in the dark.”

“We want you to marry him.”

“Bwohhh?!”

Crap! How could she even say that so easily?

“You heard me. You’re single and he’s available. So, there you have it. You’ll marry each other.”

Buk! I banged myself on the table. My omma clearly has lost her mind. How could she do this to me?

“But… Omma… No… I…”

I stammered, failed to retort her words.

“Taeng… Omma is not going to accept any no or but from you. It’s final! It’s decided. You’ll marry him. By hook or by crook. End of story dear!”

“Omma!”

“Kim Taeyeon! You can’t escape from this arrangement. Omma and appa won’t let you!”

I let out a heavy sigh. That’s it. I’ll be damned.

“Ara… Ara… Whatever omma. I’ll leave this matter to you then.”

No point of arguing. I’m a photocopied of her. I should know better. She won’t back down from her decision no matter what kind of argument I’ll bring to the table. I might as well follow her wish even if it means that I’ll be doomed for life.

“That’s my girl. Okay then. I’m hanging up. Bye dear.”

“Bye omma.”

I hang up her call and once again I banged myself on the table. All hell will break loose. Welcome to my black parade peeps! An arranged marriage with an unknown anonymous guy that I don’t even know or meet?! Gosh! What the hell is my omma thinking? Setting me up into this absurd and surreal arrangement? Here it goes. It’s official now. My life is going to be hell starting from this day!