experience conjures. Fortunately, Eunhye doesn’t catch the awkwardness between us. “You never told me about Choi Sangwoo.” She turns back to look at him. “He’s very handsome.” Sangwoo lets out a chuckle, but doesn’t look shy. A little bit conceited huh? It is too much of a boyish response for someone like him to pull off. “There’s not much to tell . . . about Sangwoo,” I reply to Eunhye. My mind is ransacking all the lies I need to come up with on the spot. I am well aware that Sangwoo has his undivided attention on me now. “We’ve been friends for–” “Ever since I started working at The Trax,” Sangwoo cuts me off. He gives me a nod as if to say he can handle this. Sangwoo turns back to my mother and continues with unfathomable confidence. “As I explained earlier, we had a promotional campaign for the club last night. I had too much to drink with a few customers. I wouldn’t have been able to make it home. May was nice enough to help and let me crash on her floor. I hope you understand.” “Oh. Of course!” Eunhye replies quickly. She lifts up a hand to touch Sangwoo’s right shoulder softly. It is a clear indication that she likes him. “I would rather you stay here and sober up than get in trouble on the way home.” The situation is too precarious for me to interrupt, so I keep my silence and let Sangwoo tell my mother the fabricated details. Apparently, he is a master at stringing the lies without any detection of false play. “Well, I’m glad May is putting herself out there and making more friends. She’s quite the loner, you know. I tell her all the time to make more friends. She’s consistently working two jobs and putting her social life aside. She doesn’t let too many people into her life, so I welcome the ones that she does.” Just when I think she isn’t going to embarrass me, there is the classic remark mothers tend to make. I suppose a mother’s worse nightmare could go either way when it comes to her daughter having too many friends or none at all. I don’t miss Choi Sangwoo glancing curiously at me after hearing that piece of information. There is a clear delight in his brown eyes. “. . . Your phone is ringing mom,” I announce abruptly. She thinks I am making a smart excuse, but Eunhye’s smile subsides when the familiar ring emits from her bedroom. “It must be the hospital calling.” Eunhye clutches her mug with alertness. The classical conditioning has her wired. My mother doesn’t forget her manners. Eunhye pats Sangwoo’s shoulder with endearment before leaving the kitchen. “Come by when you’re free. We can have dinner together. I’d love to get to know you better.” What? You’re inviting him to dinner already? My intuition shifts uncomfortably on her meditation mat. “I definitely will. It was nice meeting you Mrs. Lee.” He bows respectfully in return. Eunhye gives me a smile before she leaves; it’s her we-need-to-talk-later smile. My heart sinks a little. “Thank you for what you did last night.” Choi Sangwoo waits until Eunhye is in her room before he addresses me. Heart stop. I find the words jumbling in my throat. I should feel violated. He took advantage of my Samaritan act too far by introducing himself to my mother without my presence. But when Brown Eyes addresses me with the whole package of alluring tone of voice, sultry look, and commanding presence I am silly putty again. “You’re welcome,” I answer in a submissive whisper. Who are you? my intuition hisses at me with condemned betrayal. “I hope you don’t mind. I introduced myself to your mother. I woke up thirsty, so I went out to the kitchen to get some water. Your mother was making tea and she looked very surprised and . . . hurt that I was here. You’re a good girl. You don’t usually bring strange men home, do you?” Of course not! I’m not a slush–Lina’s term for a slut. “No, I don’t.” My tone of voice is unwavering. I narrow