7MoH 3.7

19. Different Zipcode

Neither of them could easily bring themselves to speak first.

Both Chase and Jeong-in knew that Suzy had figured out their relationship.

If they were just same-sex friends, there would be no need to sneak in and out through the window, and they wouldn’t have frozen so awkwardly after being caught by a parent.

It might have been better if they had acted naturally as usual, or if Chase had made a friendly joke. But Chase was genuinely taken aback by the situation and couldn’t put on a composed act to hide his emotions. Though he was usually skilled at wearing masks, he was quite different when facing genuine feelings.

Just then, the sound of rapid footsteps coming down the stairs was heard, and Jeong-in burst through the front door.

“Chase! Are you okay?”

Jeong-in asked breathlessly, carefully examining Chase. Chase was still half-risen from the bushes, unable to move either way.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I’m fine.”

Only then did Chase stand up abruptly, smiling as if it were nothing.

Suzy looked back and forth between Jeong-in and Chase. Her expression showed disbelief at what was unfolding before her eyes.

She tried to speak, but couldn’t even think of what to say first. It was clear that this moment was one of the most embarrassing and awkward moments in her not so short life.

After silently observing the two for a while, she finally took a deep breath and spoke in a calm voice.

“…It’s late, you should go home now.”

Chase still looked at Jeong-in with anxious eyes, as if he wasn’t at ease. He was clearly hesitant, worried about leaving the aftermath for Jeong-in to handle alone.

But Jeong-in calmly nodded. His face was composed and serene, as if saying he would take care of everything.

“I’m sorry for startling you. Good night. I’ll go now, Jeong-in.”

“Yeah, get home safely.”

Suzy’s eyebrows raised slightly when Chase called Jeong-in by his Korean name.

Chase reluctantly turned around and walked toward his parked car. But as he walked away, he kept looking back several times.

As he disappeared, Suzy and Jeong-in quietly entered the house. As the door closed silently, a strange tension filled the house.

Suzy stood blankly in the middle of the living room. The scene she had just witnessed was still vivid in her mind.

After staying like that for a while even after the front door closed, she finally spoke with difficulty.

“What did I just see? Is what I’m thinking correct? You two…”

But she couldn’t finish her sentence. Words that were difficult to utter and questions hard to ask lingered in the air.

Nevertheless, her quick-witted son, knowing what she wanted to ask, readily nodded, acknowledging that her guess was correct.

Suzy staggered to the sofa as if her legs had given out, and sat down heavily.

“Oh my God.”

Suzy pressed her forehead with her hand and let out a deep sigh. No matter how much she tried to process it in her mind, she couldn’t easily accept the unfamiliar truth she had just learned about her child.

Jeong-in quietly observed Suzy.

In truth, he knew this moment would come someday. He had just vaguely thought it would be several years later.

He never intended to keep it from his mother forever. But now was the time to speak.

Jeong-in slowly opened his mouth.

“I like him. Sincerely.”

It was a short and firm confession. With that single sentence echoing through the living room, the situation became an irreversible reality.

“Jeong-in. Do you know how big and important this is? If this is just momentary curiosity or fun…”

“Mom.”

Jeong-in cut her off.

Suzy stopped speaking for a moment and looked at Jeong-in, then was surprised.

Jeong-in’s expression was calm and unwavering. Rather than appearing hurt by what Suzy had said, he seemed to be trying to prevent her from saying more words that might hurt him.

It was as if he was persuading her to think again about what meaning her hastily spoken words might leave.

“Jeong-in. Mom is…”

Suzy repeatedly tried to say something but only let out sighs.

She knew too. That a parent’s initial reaction to a coming out moment can stay with their child for life. That it could become an indelible wound, or remain as deep trauma.

Inwardly, Suzy kept recalling advice she had heard during parenting education sessions.

How parents should react when children first reveal their identity. What to say, and what to be careful about.

She had even imagined how she would react if such a situation happened to her. But when it actually became reality before her eyes, the words wouldn’t come naturally.

“I didn’t know you liked guys, Jeong-in. Thank you for telling me.”

It was the most textbook response. But there was one more thing bothering her. Perhaps an even bigger obstacle than gender.

“But… he’s a Prescott. The son of Prescott Bank where I’m still paying off the mortgage for this house. The heir to that enormous corporation.”

Jeong-in deeply understood her words.

He too had once pushed Chase away because he was a Prescott. He had tried to draw a line that shouldn’t be crossed, convincing himself they belonged to different worlds.

“You can laugh at me for being old-fashioned. But families like that are all the same.”

Of course Jeong-in knew too.

The Prescott family, who had reigned at the pinnacle of American upper class for generations, the epitome of old money, and their strictly conservative values. And how the word ‘conservative’ in American society could become such a cold barrier for immigrants.

“It’s hard enough with ordinary differences…”

What Suzy wanted was simple.

For Jeong-in to enjoy modest happiness and live a comfortable, stable life. Not lavish wealth and honor, but finding something warm and cozy where he could rest his heart.

“Mom… just can’t accept this. Any other boy maybe… but not a Prescott child, Jeong-in.”

Jeong-in’s eyes trembled slightly in surprise. He hadn’t expected Suzy to be so firm.

Suzy had always been a warm and positive person. A mother who accepted everything with an open mind, more understanding than anyone.

Perhaps that’s why her opposition came as an even greater shock.

Honestly, he had considered that she might object because Chase was male, but he hadn’t realized the Prescott reason would be greater.

“Mom, I…”

Jeong-in’s voice trembled slightly. He opened his mouth and closed it again several times, not knowing what to say. But soon he gathered himself.

He had already pushed Chase away multiple times. He had hesitated, kept his distance, and even hurt him. But now he couldn’t step back anymore.

For Chase’s sake, and for his own. He decided not to deceive himself anymore, not to hide or run away.

Jeong-in said firmly,

“I cannot accept that.”

Jeong-in was, so to speak, a good son.

He felt a stronger sense of responsibility toward his mother who had raised him alone than anyone else, and he always quietly followed what his mother said. He had never greatly deviated, and breaking curfew a couple of times was his biggest rebellion.

Suzy was momentarily surprised that such a Jeong-in was stating so clearly that he could not accept this.

Suzy’s assumption that this might just be a passing adolescent phase seemed to fade in the face of Jeong-in’s resolute attitude.

This was clearly not simple defiance or a momentary emotion. It was evident that this was a conclusion reached after countless worries, hesitations, and battles with himself.

“I tried to push him away several times. But… I can’t. I like him too much for that.”

Suzy wanted to tell Jeong-in. That relationships here are different, that they could be much more casual.

Is that boy as serious as you? Could it be that only you are this deeply involved? While you are sincere, could his feelings be relatively lighter?

However, in the end, she couldn’t say anything. Because she knew such words would hurt Jeong-in.

“You’ve experienced a lot since coming here. Being ignored, being discriminated against for no reason… You’re sick of it. Jeong-in, I don’t want to see you experiencing such things from your loved one’s family too.”

Jeong-in knew that Suzy wasn’t opposing just because she disliked Chase. It was simply because she loved and worried about him. She just wanted Jeong-in not to get hurt.

“Mom, I…”

“Let’s think about it a bit more. Okay?”

Suzy gently interrupted what Jeong-in was about to say.

“It’s late. You should go upstairs and sleep now.”

Her voice was as kind as usual, but it also contained the determination that she no longer wished to continue this conversation.

Jeong-in looked at her for a moment and then quietly nodded. Just having this much conversation today was enough.

That night, the mother and son lying in their separate rooms on the first and second floors couldn’t fall asleep until late.

* * *

“How do I look?”

Chase asked with an obviously nervous expression. He was dressed in a formal suit as if going to an interview, and even held a bouquet of flowers in his hand.

Jeong-in shrugged his shoulders and burst into laughter.

“Don’t laugh. Come on? How do I look, Jeong-in.”

Jeong-in looked at him carefully with a playful smile. As if appreciating a work of art in a museum, he observed him for a while and then nodded.

“I don’t know whose boyfriend you are, you look too handsome.”

“Do I look like a player?”

“That’s… unavoidable.”

“Damn.”

He sighed deeply and ruffled his hair.

After their relationship was discovered, Chase no longer came through Jeong-in’s window.

For several days, Jeong-in and Suzy went on without making any particular mention of the matter. The days continued as usual with Jeong-in going to school, Suzy going to work, sitting across from each other at the table to eat, and watching TV. If Suzy was uncomfortable, Jeong-in didn’t want to push her.

After five days had passed like this, Suzy first mentioned wanting to meet Chase, and Jeong-in immediately agreed.

“Are you ready?”

Chase took a deep breath and repeatedly clenched and unclenched his cold, nervous hands.

“I wasn’t this nervous even during the final goal kick of the playoffs.”

It was the first time in his life he had been this nervous. Chase fidgeted with his tie one more time, amused at his own fuss.

After a few more deep breaths, he knocked on the front door, and Suzy appeared with her usual expression.

“Come in.”

Suzy welcomed Chase with a gentle smile.

Momentarily stunned by the unexpected atmosphere, Chase awkwardly handed over the flowers he was holding.

“I heard that in Korea, you give carnations as gifts to parents.”

Suzy accepted the flowers with a happy face. Then with a playful smile, she said,

“I’m receiving flowers that even my own son hasn’t given me.”

“Mom!”

“You know what? Jeong-in is actually more reserved than you might think.”

With the atmosphere being gentler than expected, Chase also felt somewhat relieved. Suzy guided him toward the kitchen.

“Haven’t had dinner yet? Let’s eat together.”

Suzy placed neatly cut kimbap and doenjang soup with spinach and tofu on the table. It was a simple but heartfelt meal.

As soon as Chase saw the kimbap on the plate, he said with a delighted face,

“Oh? I’ve had this before. Didn’t you sell this at the bake sale last year?”

It was surprising that Chase remembered that.

The bake sale was a common charity event at American schools where students and parents sold homemade food to raise funds. Usually, sweet snacks like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes were the main items, commonly seen in school hallways or on one side of the playground during school events.

Unfamiliar with baking like Americans, Jeong-in and Suzy decided to make thirty rolls of kimbap after much deliberation. It took a lot of effort, but it was a dish they were confident in.

When they placed the kimbap on one side of the table, the response was fortunately better than expected. All thirty rolls sold out quickly as if they had wings.

But if Chase Prescott had bought some, Jeong-in would certainly have remembered.

“How do you know about that?”

“Schneider bought one, and I tried it. It was so delicious. I went back to buy more, but the table was gone.”

“We sold out quickly.”

“I can see why.”

Taking a bite of kimbap, Chase showered Suzy with all kinds of compliments, making her shoulders rise with pride. Even while talking, his chopsticks didn’t stop, and he soon cleared his plate completely.

After dinner, the three naturally moved to the living room. A subtle tension lingered among them as they sat on the sofa.

Suzy paused for a moment, and finally opened her mouth with a serious expression.

“I have some questions for you both, and things to say.”

Chase’s large Adam’s apple moved noticeably as he swallowed dryly. He carefully turned to look at Jeong-in. Jeong-in seemed to feel the same, with a tense expression.

“I can see that you two like each other very much.”

Suzy spoke in a calm voice.

Chase straightened his back, and Jeong-in slightly bit his lip. Both waited in silence for her next words.

Suzy looked at the two children alternately.

If it were just an immature emotion, just a momentary impulse, it might be better. These children looked too serious.

“But the fact that you’re both young is undeniable.”

Faced with this irrefutable fact, Jeong-in and Chase both fell silent.

Suzy quietly observed their reactions before continuing.

“I’ve thought about many things. I’ve also consulted with Ms. Gloria Mendez.”

And what followed was completely different from what the two had expected.

“Jeong-in, how about staying at your great-aunt’s house in Korea during summer vacation?”

The moment they heard those words, Jeong-in and Chase’s expressions became identical, eyes widened, speechless, and dazed.

“You can do extracurricular activities in Korea too. Ms. Mendez said that volunteer or extracurricular experience abroad could actually help enrich your narrative.”

Her voice was calm, but there was a clear intention in her words.

Summer vacation in America lasts over two months. Suzy was telling the two to be apart during that period.

“I could go with him. I’ve always wanted to visit Seoul…”

“No.”

Chase hastily spoke up, but Suzy firmly shook her head.

“I know I can’t separate you two now. Who could forcibly break apart young love at this stage?”

After saying that, Suzy examined each of their faces in turn. The discussion must have been too sudden, as both still wore dazed expressions.

“If you truly love each other, two months should be nothing.”

Her words were gentle, but they contained a clear message.

Prove to yourselves whether your love can endure being apart or not.

Suzy’s heart was already leaning one way. No matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t support this relationship. But she also didn’t want to oppose so fiercely that it would make Jeong-in rebel even more.

“Be apart, take care of yourselves, and work toward your futures. If your feelings remain unchanged afterward, then I’ll reconsider too.”

Suzy just wanted to give it some time. If the two had the kind of casual relationship she worried about, physical distance and time might provide the answer.

It was a reasonable proposal. And that was precisely the real test.

“Mom! What kind of unreasonable demand is that…”

Just as Jeong-in was about to raise his voice in protest.

“I understand.”

Chase nodded first.

Jeong-in looked at Chase with a surprised face.

“Chase?”

“It’s okay.”

Chase continued calmly, smiling gently toward Jeong-in as if to reassure him.

“Actually, Jeong-in has been struggling with his essay. I think spending the summer in Korea, doing volunteer work and traveling around to find inspiration will definitely help him.”

Chase’s attitude was calm and solid. And so very reasonable. Jeong-in’s gaze toward him wavered for a moment before sparkling with what seemed like admiration.

“Chase…”

Suzy, too, couldn’t hide her surprise.

She hadn’t expected this reaction at all. She thought there would only be resistance and resentment, but instead, Chase was the first to agree.

In that moment, it became clearly evident that he genuinely cared for Jeong-in.

“I understand what you’re worried about. But I have no intention of taking over the Prescott family business.”

Chase continued looking at her steadily.

“I plan to become a doctor. And it’s thanks to Jeong-in that I discovered my dream.”

Being a doctor or lawyer was certainly a stable and excellent profession in America too. But it wasn’t the path someone like Chase Prescott would typically aspire to.

“And even if two years pass, not just two months, my feelings won’t change.”

Those clear blue eyes meeting hers were so firm that Suzy herself was almost convinced.

“…Alright. Let’s get through the upcoming summer vacation first… and talk again when Jeong-in returns.”

Even that wasn’t full permission.

Chase could fully understand why Suzy opposed them. It was because she cherished and loved Jeong-in.

She worried that Jeong-in would face discrimination and get hurt because of the Prescott name. She was concerned that the world might not accept her son, that there would be many gazes and words to endure.

Quite different from his father’s reasons, who had invoked family honor.

Saying they would talk again in two months wasn’t an absolute refusal. If there had been no possibility at all, Suzy wouldn’t have said it that way.

Chase tried to compose himself. He reassured himself that this was a sufficiently good outcome.

It’s not over yet. They just need more time.

And he could wait as long as necessary.

* * *

“You’re going to Korea?”

Justin’s voice echoed throughout the cafeteria.

Several students glanced over, and Jeong-in, seemingly embarrassed, quickly called out.

“Justin!”

But Justin didn’t care at all and still had a shocked face.

“What about your birthday? Independence Day?”

Jeong-in sighed deeply and shrugged his shoulders.

“Well… sigh… That’s just how things turned out.”

Justin shook his head vigorously as if he couldn’t accept it.

“No way. We were supposed to watch the fireworks together!”

July 4th, Independence Day, was when fireworks displays were held across America, and Bellacove was no exception.

In the evening, households would set off small fireworks in their yards, and cities would hold large-scale events. Especially at Cove Mall, there was a festival combining food trucks, music performances, and fireworks. Every year, Jeong-in would go to Cove Mall with Justin, buy hot dogs, and enjoy the performances and fireworks.

Justin looked sulky, as if he had suffered a serious betrayal. Jeong-in was secretly grateful for his exaggerated reaction.

“I really wanted to go to your birthday party too…”

“Birthday party?”

Jeong-in tilted his head in confusion. His birthday was in mid-June, usually during summer vacation or sometimes during finals when the academic calendar ran late. So it typically passed quietly.

“Your boyfriend will throw you a party, right? I wanted to check out the Prescott house then.”

Jeong-in sighed as if troubled himself and shrugged his shoulders.

“It can’t be helped.”

“Suddenly going to Korea… So you and Press will be in a long-distance relationship?”

Jeong-in nodded casually. Long-distance relationship. He had already known this in his head, but hearing it spoken aloud made it hit home.

Justin let out a sympathetic sigh, saying, “Oh no…”

“What?”

“There’s a saying. When zip codes change, so do hearts.”

Jeong-in couldn’t help but smile, wondering where Justin picked up such phrases. Yet somehow, a part of his heart twinged strangely.

“And there’s also this saying: ‘Long-distance relationships can work. Unless one of you is in California.'”

“…”

California, as the center of Hollywood and the entertainment industry and also a hub for fashion and modeling, had too many hot people. There were aspiring actors and models everywhere, and people’s personalities tended to be open and spontaneous.

Should he really be worried? Would Chase really be so easily swayed?

As his thoughts continued to chain together, Rajesh approached the table carrying a food tray. Once again, the Chinese, Korean, and Indian nerds gathered in one place. People sometimes called them the UN, meaning United Nerds.

“What are you guys talking about so seriously?”

Justin answered Rajesh’s question.

“It’s about Jay. He says he has to go to Korea during summer vacation.”

“With Chase Prescott?”

“No, alone.”

“Oh no…”

Rajesh also sighed with a sympathetic look. Was the situation so serious that even Rajesh, the nerdiest of nerds, felt sorry for him? Concern briefly crossed his mind, but Jeong-in soon showed a light smile.

“It’s our first trial, I guess.”

Jeong-in continued calmly.

“I’ve always liked completing quests anyway.”

Rajesh and Justin nodded in agreement simultaneously.

***

Today was the last day of the semester for the juniors. The hallways were filled with excited students, and papers poured out as they emptied their lockers, rolling across the floor.

Those who would soon become seniors were busily pursuing their respective dreams.

Justin had finally decided on MIT in the East Coast as his first choice, and when his mother Rachel heard the news, she was so worried that she fell ill for a while.

Meanwhile, for the football players, summer vacation wasn’t a vacation but a preparation period. The varsity team, including Chase, was scheduled to participate in a summer training camp to prepare for their final season.

They had only one goal: to make it through the playoffs to the state championship. They didn’t slack off on training even on the last day of the school year to achieve that goal.

Alex Martinez and Darius Thompson were aiming to attend USC, a prestigious football school.

Darius Thompson, in particular, had barely avoided failing by getting a final grade of C in algebra. As promised, the principal assured Jeong-in that he would write him a recommendation letter for Harvard.

Brian Cole was looking into the University of Miami, wanting to distance himself from his family, while Max Schneider decided to learn the trade at his father’s car center instead of going to college.

That’s why this season held a special meaning for them. It would be the last season they would play together.

The cheerleaders were also facing a busy summer.

Madison Wilkes had set Syracuse University, known for its broadcast communications program, as her first choice and planned to focus on college applications during the summer break. Vivian Sinclair had gained attention by reaching 500,000 YouTube followers and was excited about her summer internship at Teen Vogue.

“Thirty minutes before training! Warm up and get ready!”

At Coach Anderson’s words, the varsity team players began stretching. While warming up in pairs in the middle of the field surrounded by a track, Brian Cole called out to Chase as if he had spotted something.

“Hey, Press! Look, it’s your boyfriend.”

Chase’s gaze immediately moved to where Brian was pointing. Jeong-in, dressed in gym clothes, was standing on the track with Coach Anderson. A smile gently appeared on Chase’s face.

“He said he’s doing a one-mile run today.”

Jeong-in’s junior year would end with a one-mile run.

He had attempted it before but collapsed and failed to complete it. Coach Anderson had set aside a separate time for him to try again.

Darius, who saw Jeong-in, jumped up from his seat. He really liked and respected Jeong-in. He said there had never been a teacher who taught him as kindly and at his level as Jeong-in did.

“Press, let’s go cheer for your boyfriend.”

“Cheering? That sounds good.”

As Chase stood up, Alex Martinez and Max Schneider followed, saying they would join too. Brian Cole shook his head and remained seated.

“Jeong-in.”

Jeong-in was stretching his ankles with fierce determination, his eyes blazing. He always had a great desire to win. He had a personality that never did anything half-heartedly. He had perfectionistic tendencies, and he had the tenacity to see things through once he started. How fortunate he was that he was not a rival but a lover with such a person.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“We came to cheer for you.”

Chase thought for a moment before asking an unexpected question.

“Jeong-in, what animals are you afraid of?”

“Well, if I had to say, in California we’re most likely to encounter black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes, so I guess those.”

“Really?”

Chase pointed to the players he had brought in order: Darius Thompson, Alex Martinez, and Max Schneider.

“Black bear, mountain lion, coyote. Run well.”

The three oddly matched the animals they were assigned.

Jeong-in soon realized Chase’s intention. He was deliberately trying to provide pacers for him to run with. The three who suddenly found themselves running with Jeong-in looked at each other in disbelief.

Jeong-in chuckled and said to Chase,

“Then what are you?”

Chase answered with a relaxed smile, as if it was obvious,

“Do you even need to ask? I’m a golden retriever.”

Max Schneider couldn’t help but pretend to vomit.

“Jay Lim, are you ready?” asked Coach Anderson.

“Yes!”

With the sound of the whistle, Jeong-in’s body shot forward lightly. The first lap passed in an instant and his pace was steady. Rather, it was Darius who was falling behind, running leisurely. Chase pointed this out.

“Black bear! What are you doing! Your prey is escaping! You’ll go hungry tonight! Speed up!”

Only then did Darius Thompson pick up his pace. Jeong-in glanced back and ran away in a hurry, screaming. With that massive figure over 2 meters tall chasing after him, he really did look like a bear.

But by the second lap, his pace began to slow again.

“There’s a coyote chasing you! This is bad, Jeong-in! Your butt’s about to get bitten!”

“Roar!”

Max, who was following right behind Jeong-in, matching his speed, let out a roar. Jeong-in, panting for breath, protested.

“Coyotes don’t make that sound!”

Thanks to the football players who ran with him until the end, Jeong-in was able to maintain his speed.

As he crossed the finish line, Jeong-in burst out laughing. His lungs hurt terribly, but he couldn’t help but laugh. The sunlight sparkled and everything felt joyful.

Coach Anderson approached Jeong-in with a hearty laugh. He had been watching them throughout the chase, seemingly finding it adorable.

“Well done, Jay Lim.”

Jeong-in had completed the one-mile run with a time 5 seconds faster than last semester.

Everyone exchanged high-fives as if he had achieved some remarkable athletic feat.

“You guys, get back to your field now. Go prepare to push the sledge.”

Coach Anderson pointed to the inner part of the field. There was a sledge that looked like five sleds attached together. By now, Jeong-in knew well how that equipment was used.

As if plotting a strategy, Max whispered secretly to Jeong-in.

“You’ll return the favor, right?”

Understanding immediately what he meant, Jeong-in quietly nodded.

And soon after, as soon as the coach shouted “Add weight!”, Jeong-in voluntarily climbed onto the sledge.

“Down, set, go!”

With the coach’s signal, the players all rushed at the pads.

Bang!

With a heavy impact sound, the sledge slid across the grass. It felt like riding a snow sled in California in June.

A cool breeze blew, ruffling Jeong-in’s hair. With the increasing speed, Jeong-in burst into childlike laughter. Now he was close enough with many of the varsity team players to freely urge them to run faster.

Was it because the sunlight was too bright? His eyes stung, and somehow he felt like he might cry.

The most brilliantly shining moment of his life. His radiant youth was ripening.

A season that would never return.

The last summer vacation of his high school years had begun.

* * *

Suzy checked once more with an anxious face.

“Do you have your passport?”

“Yes.”

“Your phone?”

“Here.”

“Wallet?”

“Mom, I packed everything.”

But no matter how much she checked, her uneasiness wouldn’t subside. Even though her son was grown, sending him to Korea alone wasn’t easy.

Suzy silently embraced Jeong-in tightly. As if she wanted to hold onto her child a little longer, even with just the warmth remaining on her fingertips.

Since Chase had agreed to accompany him to the airport, Jeong-in would be saying goodbye to Suzy at home. About to leave for work, she carefully spoke her final words.

“About college too… think carefully.”

Jeong-in silently adjusted his bag. A heavy silence briefly filled the living room.

“…Mom, I don’t give up that easily. You know my personality.”

At Jeong-in’s resolute words, Suzy let out a short sigh.

“Yes, I know.”

She knew better than anyone.

Jeong-in’s competitive spirit, perseverance, and patience. Thanks to that character, he had stood firm in a foreign land and grown stronger than anyone.

But Suzy still wanted to persuade Jeong-in. She hoped he wouldn’t take a path that would clearly be thorny. She wants her child to be treated preciously wherever he goes. Isn’t that every parent’s wish? That’s how she justified her opposition to her son’s first love.

“Call before boarding the plane. Call as soon as you arrive. Your aunt said she’d pick you up…”

“Mom, it’s okay.”

Instead, Jeong-in spoke gently as if calming Suzy. In his attitude, one could glimpse the fortitude developed from years of being on his own.

Just then, there was a knock at the front door. Chase had arrived.

As soon as she opened the door, Chase’s expression caught her eye first. Jeong-in couldn’t help but laugh. Somehow, Chase and Suzy’s expressions looked similar.

“Both of you, lighten up. I’m not going off to die.”

Seeing Chase standing there with an even more serious face than her own, Suzy let out a small laugh. His near-death expression made her feel a sense of shared pain.

“Looks like you didn’t sleep well either, Chase.”

Chase nodded with a bitter smile.

“Don’t worry about Jeong-in. I’ll make sure he gets there safely.”

“Alright.”

Suzy lightly patted Chase’s shoulder. With her own work time approaching, she headed toward her red Camry parked on the street.

Meanwhile, Chase naturally picked up Jeong-in’s suitcase and headed toward an unfamiliar car. Behind Suzy’s car stood an all-black, angular silhouette Mercedes SUV. It had a weighty presence that would certainly stand out on the road.

“What’s this car?”

“Just my sister’s car that was at home. My car can’t fit large suitcases.”

Jeong-in let out a laugh. How many cars did his home have that were ‘just at home’?

After loading Jeong-in’s suitcase and backpack into the car, Chase quietly waited for him to say his final goodbyes to Suzy.

Suzy embraced Jeong-in with a warm hug. Every touch as she patted Jeong-in’s back was infused with deep concern and affection.

Standing at a distance from the two, Chase quietly observed the scene. It was an unfamiliar sight he had never experienced.

Only after watching Suzy’s car leave first did Jeong-in climb into the passenger seat. The SUV carrying the two quietly proceeded toward the airport.

Among the scenery quickly passing by outside the window, a green sign reading ‘Airport’ came into view. Chase spoke with a deep sigh.

“I want to kidnap you right now and run away to Mexico or Canada.”

Jeong-in laughed softly, but Chase didn’t laugh at all. His words about kidnapping didn’t seem to be a joke.

Jeong-in suddenly felt the urge to make him smile.

“Hey. What did the fish say when it hit its head on the wall?”

Chase glanced over with slightly furrowed eyebrows.

“…What did it say?”

“Dam.”

The word ‘dam’ sounded the same as ‘damn.’ It was sort of Jeong-in’s secret weapon, but Chase didn’t laugh. Jeong-in didn’t give up and tried again.

“The math book was sad. Why?”

“…Why?”

“Because it had too many problems.”

Only then did a subtle change appear at the corners of Chase’s mouth. A brief snicker. Even knowing that Chase wasn’t actually amused by the joke, Jeong-in was relieved and smiled along with him.

Not long after, they arrived at the airport.

Today the airport was less crowded than usual, and thanks to that, check-in finished faster than expected. The process of checking in and dropping off luggage passed in an instant, and they stopped in front of the security checkpoint. From here, Chase couldn’t accompany him any further.

Chase looked at Jeong-in, who was holding his passport. Soon he would pass through immigration and walk down that long corridor. And then they wouldn’t see each other for months.

His heart ached, but Chase tried hard to compose himself. Then, as if comforting both himself and Jeong-in, he said,

“…All hardships become opportunities to soar higher. After this summer, we’ll be stronger.”

“Nice words. Nietzsche?”

“Kobe Bryant.”

Jeong-in burst into laughter. That bright laugh was lovely and beautiful. And already missed.

Unable to hold back any longer, Chase pulled Jeong-in into a tight embrace.

“I love you, Jeong-in. Don’t forget me.”

“I’ll be back in two months.”

“That’s enough time for a healthy man to die of lovesickness…”

Ignoring the gazes around them, Jeong-in reached out and stroked Chase’s blonde hair. Chase Prescott was his own golden retriever.

“Have a good summer, Chase Prescott.”

“…You too, Jeong-in Lim.”

And so, the two walked into their respective summers, separated by a 16-hour time difference.