“Here’s some tea noona.” Chen offered me a warm cup.

“Ahh, gomawo,” I said as I took the cup from his hands and placed it on the table.

He took his seat as we awkwardly sat cross from each other.

“Chen?”

“Hm? What is it?”

“Why do you continue to call me noona??” I was curious.

“Well…” he looked down to think. “Because you’re pretty.”

Pretty??

This might be the first time a guy ever commented on my physical appearance—in a good way.

“Thanks? But aren’t you supposed to call women who are older than you

Noonas?”

“Ye. But noona, I believe you are older than me.”

Me?! Older than him? That kinda sounded like an insult. I wasn’t THAT old…

“Really?”

He nodded.

“Well then how old are you??” I had to make sure.

“I’m nine-teen!!”

“Me too!!.”And he thought I was older than him.

“My birthday is this month.”

“Really?!” … well what do you know. I am older than you.

“Ye.” He said, holding a firm manly voice.

“Well then I am older than you…” I gave him a cheap smile.

“That means I can call you noona!!” His voice jumps in excitement.

“Pa