Mom's Little Push and Pull

Inna: Please, take this first. (gesturing to her dishes)

Jimin: But I've already eaten.

Inna: I know… but my mom insists. She said I have to give this to you as my "tuition fees," and if I don't pass this exam, she's threatening to kick me out of the house.

Jimin (teasingly): You know Aunt ,she never keeps anything she thinks is useless.

Inna (hands on her waist, voice annoyed but still cute): Are you calling me useless?

Jimin can't hold back and bursts into laughter.

Inna narrows her eyes, staring at him.

Jimin still chuckling, trying to compose himself "Alright, alright, let's just start studying."

Inna: Let's eat first ,I'm starving!

Jimin: Yeah, okay.

(They sit down to enjoy a quick dinner together.)

(After dinner, they settle at the table with their books open.)

Inna flips open her book but keeps glancing at Jimin instead of studying.

Jimin: Why are you staring? Is there something on my face?

Inna: No, nothing like that. I just need help with this question.

Jimin (peering over at the problem): Seriously? This one's easy.

(Inna pouts and gives him her best puppy eyes.)

Jimin sighs heavily: Fine. But focus, alright?

(Jimin starts explaining, and Inna watches him closely, half-listening, half-distracted by his presence.)

Jimin: Did you understand?

Inna, hesitating for a moment: Yeah, I get it.

Jimin: Good.

Inna checked her watch.

Inna: Oh, I have to go, Jimin.

Jimin, nodding slightly: Hmm.

Once Inna had left, Jimin's demeanor returned to its usual coldness.

Inna got home and found her mom sitting in the dining room.

Inna's Mom: Wow, I think I finally have some hope for my daughter.

Inna gave a reluctant smile.

Inna's Mom: Did you give the dishes to Jimin?

Inna: (sounding uninterested) Yeah, I did. But really, Mom? You care more about whether I gave the dishes to Jimin than if I've had dinner? (sulking)

Inna's Mom: Sometimes, I wish I had a child like Jimin, so smart and handsome.

Inna (placing her hand on her face): Mom, am I not pretty enough?

Inna's Mom (sighing, half-heartedly): Just go to your room, Inna.

Inna (playfully whining): Mooom!

Inna's Mom (softening with a gentle smile): Go on. You look exhausted, get some rest.