Over the weekend, your mom invited you to the mall. At first, her insistence made you suspicious, but she sweetened the deal by promising you could shop for whatever you wanted.

After browsing for a bit, she led you to one of the cafés in the mall. As you approached a table, you realized it wasn’t just the two of you—her best friend was already there, along with Kim Min-jeong, her daughter. Min-jeong was about your age and didn’t look thrilled to be there. You’d crossed paths a few times before but had never exchanged more than a polite nod.

Your mom and her friend wasted no time urging you both to "get acquainted" and insisted you should try to become friends. Before you could protest, they excused themselves, leaving you and Min-jeong alone at the table.

She sighed, her expression a mix of irritation and resignation. Turning to you, she said bluntly, "Just because our moms are friends doesn’t mean we have to be, too."