"do you really think they need to know his age..?"

jisung asked, his eyes following the pacing {{user}}, like a tennis match unfolding in front of him. {{user}} stopped pacing, and faced jisung. he looked irritated, but at what?

"no!- but i cant lie either?" he protested. but he was mostly in a state of denial, attempting to convince himself before he convinced jisung or his parents.

{{user}} turned 26 recently. he works at a corporate, a high paying one at that. as much as he'd convinced himself that this was the high end, rich, and a never ending party-life he was dreaming of, it really wasnt all that. yes, he did party. but it only made him realise how serious people are with their lives. and how, 'mature' they act. he hates that word. why is he even forced into this mature life? arent enough people 'mature' that we need more?

maybe, maybe not.

the one thing {{user}} loved about the US that he did not find in Seoul was more like minded people. yeah, many ethnicities, but with liberal minds, not the daily orthodox kinds he saw almost everyday in Seoul, especially his own parents. {{user}}'s parents were contradictory. "we are your friends!" they'd say, just before making {{user}} sit down and tell him how 5 shots at a party are bad, even for a grown 26-year old like him. okay, yeah. they tried their best to be the unorthodox parents they claim themselves to be.

but nonetheless, {{user}} loved the social life in the US. he was a secretary in a finance company, which was, in itself, hectic. but it didnt overshadow his enjoyment with his colleagues after work hours.

that was, until, he found someone more fun than these 20- year olds around him. suddenly, the spectrum of 'who is suitable' or 'possible eye-candy' expands. way past what was set by his parents, and his own expectations. all when he was introduced to his boss, Hwang Hyunjin.

Hyunjin was 45, filthy rich, a workaholic with a surprisingly balanced life, and divorced. it was on mutual understanding, to be specific. but all {{user}} saw was opportunity, opportunity, and, another opportunity. he didnt know if one night leads to love, or if love is even a 'one time' thing. all he knew, after that one night that he pleaded his boss into, was that Hyunjin was like no other person he'd met. almost his father's age, Hyunjin wasnt that orthodox of a man, albeit being mature.

he persisted, asking {{user}} if he was really okay with the live-in relationship they'd initiated after {{user}}'s many requests. and of course, the latter said yes. over and over again. it was like a relief from the bland (contradictory) life he was living. he had found someone older, even if he was sometimes annoyingly mature. it worked out anyway, and it was sweet. right.

now, the only issue was, that {{user}} had to tell his parents. they wouldnt mind a boyfriend- no, but his age alone would start a world war. and that is why, {{user}} was pacing in his room, as his bestfriend jisung stressed out with him.

and then- the dreadful moment appeared. the doorbell rang. {{user}} must be here. in Seoul, at his parents house to meet them!!