Chapter 8 SeoJoon's POV

• I was working in my home studio. My Mom informed me that a few of her friends would be visiting and wanted me to meet them. When I heard a knock at the door, I mistook it for my mother calling me, but I was surprised to see a young woman reading a book with her back face to me when I went outside. She turned when she heard my voice and became frightened, which caused her phone and book to fall from her hands.
• The young lady was dressed in a long, floral yellow dress. Her long, black hair was kept loose and was held back with a hairpin. Even though she was wearing glasses, her sharp, big, and black eyes were shining.
• I noticed her full attention was on me and she was staring at me. I interrupted her, but in response, she apologized and left the room.
• I walked up to the table to see what book she was reading. But I noticed that she had forgotten to pick up her phone, which was still lying on the ground. I took her phone and walked off.
• In the drawing-room, my Mom was conversing with two young women. Darim noticed my presence and called me.
• “SeoJoon, meet my friends.” My mother told me.
• “Hello, I’m MiSun,” one of the girls approached me and introduced herself with one hand outstretched.
• We shook hands and then she added “I have attended many concerts of DTM. You all are incredible.”
• I smiled, “thank you.”
• The other girl was looking at Darim with a smile, who was attempting to communicate with hand gestures.
• “We have already met.” I pointed to another girl.
• Everyone gasped, “What?” and turned to face both of us with shocked eyes.
• The other girl gave me a startled look, “We just met in the study room.”
• Everyone at once exclaimed, “Oh.”
• “You left your phone in the study room.” I gave phone to her.
• “Oh, thank you. By the way, I am Priya.” She introduced herself to me.
• “You….” I had a question in mind. But eventually I gave up.
• But perhaps anticipating my question, she responded, “I’m from India.”
• My mother said, “Let’s have dinner or else it will get cold.”
• I was seated alone as all the women settled to one side. My Mom said, “Priya, why are you sitting last? Go sit next to SeoJoon. He’s sitting by himself.”
• “I’m good here.” She assured her and said, “Darim will sit next to him.” Then she signaled to Darim.
• “No, I want to sit with MiSun unni. Please.” Darim said while hugging MiSun
• “Priya, it’s alright. You can sit as well. You are similar to our daughter.” Appa said.
• She smiled and sat beside me.
• I noticed that everyone received wine, but not Priya. I looked at her with a questioned look. She turned to face me and said, “I don’t drink.”
• We were all in the drawing room after dinner. Suddenly, MiSun asked me that “If she could take a photo together.”
• “Indeed, but...” I got interrupted.
• “Don’t worry. She won’t post it online or on any social media.” Priya remarked after understanding my unspoken words.
• After a while, Priya said, “Mrs. Joon, it’s time for us to go. It’s already too late. And you also take a rest.”
• “I’m grateful you came. I am so happy.” My mother gave them hugs.
• We said goodbye, and they walked away.
• After they were gone, I asked my Mom, “Where did you meet them?”
• “The last time I came to visit you, I ran into Priya.” She replied.
• “Oh. Priya was the girl you were hugging in front of the restaurant.” Thoughts of that day led me to ask.
• “Yes, she is the one. What do you think of her?” She enquired out of curiosity.
• “She is different.” I said it indifferently.
• “In what way?” Still enquiring.
• “Mom, good night. I’m tired.” I said as I waved my hand.
• The following day, I was practicing choreography with other team members. Yohan hyung commanded, “Let’s take a break. I’m exhausted.” We started watching a video of our most recent concert. I recalled MiSun’s statement from yesterday evening that she had been too many DTM concerts.
• I was lost when I heard Jin hyung ask, “Where were you last evening? All of us tried to get in touch with you.”
• “Mom’s friends visited the house yesterday, so she instructed me to stay. That’s where I was.” I answered
• “Oh, so you were with Ahjummas.” JongSeok stated and began laughing.
• “Oh, please. At first, I assumed that some elderly women would come but two young women arrived instead.” I told them.
• “I think they were daughters of Mrs. Joon’s friends.” Jin hyung said.
• “No, one of the girls was Indian, while the other was Korean. And you know what….” I was telling them, suddenly
• “Enough, let’s get to the practice. I have additional work to do.” Yohan hyung interrupted and got up from his chair.
• I called EunSoo in the evening, but she didn’t answer. She didn’t reply when I messaged her asking where she was. She read my message as usual but made no comment. The previous few days were marked by events like this. At first, I didn’t respond, but now it was happening too frequently. I considered trying 4-5 times, but still got no response.
• I was eating dinner with my family, when my Mom said, “You didn’t answer me.”
• “What?” I asked.
• “Yesterday I asked you something.” She stated.
• “I don’t remember.” I said.
• “What do you think of Priya?” She attempted to remind me.
• “Mom, what is that you want to know?” I was annoyed.
• “I won’t repeat the question.” She gave me a look.
• “It was just a first-through meeting, and we didn’t even talk with each other. How can I let you know?” I responded.
• She asked with gleaming eyes, “So, do you want to meet with her again?”
• “Mom, don’t do this, please. I’m not interested in her.” I said, feeling frustrated.
• “Let him have dinner. We can talk about this later.” Appa interrupted Mom.