Chapter Four

This is officially a shitty day.

How can it not be, when my mother's overbearing presence is so big in my house?

Why one earth did she not tell me she was coming? Is it not common courtesy to tell someone when you're visiting them, regardless of your relationship?

Why is she here, anyway?

When I let us into the apartment, she spends a good five minutes looking around, corners of her mouth downturned. She doesn't need to say anything for me to know she doesn't approve of my living arrangement.

But that's none of her business.

"You didn't tell me you were coming," I say, dropping my bag on a couch in my living room. It's a small room, filled with everything I own. The kitchen is sectioned from it with a waist-length wall.

Despite how small and inefficient my apartment appears, it's more than enough for me. First, the rent is the lowest I could find for one bedroom apartments in the area. Second, I'm a single woman who lives alone, so I definitely don't need an apartment the size of an island to feel comfortable. If anything, a bigger one would only feel empty.

"You hang up on me then switched off your phone before I could tell you," she says.

We'll, I'm glad I did. Had she told me she was visiting, it would have ruined the entire day for me, including my meeting with Mr. Park.

But... Her showing up here unannounced is not the key concern. The reason why is of more importance. Why did my mother, who doesn't like me much, travel four hours to my place? Is she on her way to my sister's and decided to take an overnight detour? That better be the case.

"Why are you here, anyway?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant as I fold my long coat.

"I got evicted," she says, as if it's the most normal thing ever.

"What?" I gape.

Three weeks ago, she borrowed me money, claiming she needed it to settle her rent arrears. I wonder where that went.

"What about the money I gave you?"

She waves her hand in dismissal. "Oh, that? I used it to settle some other debts."

"What debts? You told me it was for your rent."

"The others were more urgent."

I hold back a scoff. "More urgent than being evicted?"

"Don't lecture me!" she snaps.

I sigh heavily and press my fingertips to my temple. If I hadn't gotten a job at Park Entertainment, I would be screwed without the money I gave her. Did I literally throw away my hard-earned savings?

"Where are your belongings?"

"I rented a storage unit."

Well, thank God she had enough money left over to do that. It's then that it dawns on me. She has nowhere to live, and here she is, at my house, suitcase in tow.

No.

No way.

I'll go crazy if I have to live with her.

She better be on her way to Louise's. Louise has a big family house in Busan, by the beach. I'm sure she can easily host our mother in one of her guest rooms.

"What are your plans?" I ask.

"I have a friend who owns a restaurant in the city. He told me he knows a friend who's hiring chefs. I'll meet him tomorrow."

I stare at her, unblinking. A job? She's planning to look for a job... In my fucking city? That means...

Is it too much to tell her I don't want to live with her? There's a reason I left home immediately after completing school. Her. I don't like the idea of living with a roommate, and having to live with my overbearing, controlling mother is a thousand times more unbearable.

"When will you get your own place?" I ask. I hope she gets the hint.

"Why? Am I imposing?"

This time, I don't mince my words. "Yes!"

"You don't even have a boyfriend, I don't see why I can't live here..."

"You could go down to Louise's," I say. "You know, the one who actually has a house big enough to accommodate you?" The one you like? The one who won't mind your presence?

"The sea air is bad for me."

My face twists in confusion. When dad was alive, she used to go on a lot of cruises. Did the quality of the sea air take a round-turn within 8 years?

"Just get a job and move out as soon as possible," I say, grabbing my bag and coat and disappearing into my bedroom.

Minutes later, I stand on my balcony, on the phone with Bella. When I relate to her what's happening, she curses a lot and asks what I plan on doing.

I shrug.

If my mother doesn't get her act together soon, I can't just throw her out, can I?

"Well, I have good news that'll cheer you up," she says after I'm done moaning about dear mother.

I perk up. "What?"

"You know there's a Nine6 concert this weekend at the Municipal Stadium, right?"

I roll my eyes. "No, I don't. It's not like you've been complaining about how you missed a ticket every single time we talk."

She giggles. "Well, I got hold of one from a reseller and guess who's coming around this weekend!"

"Get serious."

"Yes, baby. I'm coming to steal you from your miserable life this weekend, so hold out until then, bitch!"

I laugh, feeling a weight lift off my chest. Bella has been my best friend since high school, but she moved to a different city two years ago. 

Her coming here means I'll have a great weekend before I go back to dealing with mum and getting absorbed in work.

I can't wait.