Happy Lunch at my Mom's 3

"She's the owner… which means she's Jooyeon's mother too," Han Sooyoung thought to herself, keeping her usual calm demeanor despite the surprise.

Never in her life had she imagined that Jooyeon's mother would personally take her order. The situation felt foreign and just a little awkward. As someone who had only ever dined at luxurious restaurants or eaten at home, she realized she didn't know what the "normal" thing to do here was. What did locals usually order in a place like this? What were the unwritten rules? She was lost but refused to let it show.

Meanwhile, Jooyeon's mother, trying to maintain her own composure, couldn't help but steal a few glances at Han Sooyoung. Her confusion grew. Why is such a beautiful, well-dressed lady sitting in my little restaurant? And why does she look like she's waiting for my son?

Her thoughts spiraled further. Could this be…? No, that's impossible! But then why would she…?

Trying to suppress her curiosity, she carefully asked, "Um, madam, your order?" Her tone was polite, but her mind was racing with all sorts of wild ideas.

Before Han Sooyoung could form an answer, Jooyeon's mother suddenly leaned forward and clasped both of her hands tightly, her voice louder this time. "Are you his girlfriend?"

Han Sooyoung froze, startled. "Girlfriend? I—"

"Girlfriend?!"

The same word echoed through the room, spoken simultaneously by two younger voices from the entrance.

There stood Jooyeon's sisters, Hyerin and Hyemi, both completely shocked. Their wide eyes darted between their mother and Han Sooyoung, trying to make sense of what they just heard.

Hyerin, always the composed and elegant one, lost her usual cool. Her jaw dropped, and she blurted out, "Our brother has a girlfriend?! And… her?" She pointed toward Han Sooyoung in disbelief.

Hyemi, the more energetic and slightly chaotic sister, dropped her phone, the clatter snapping everyone's attention toward her. "Jooyeon-oppa has a girlfriend?!" she shrieked, clutching her head like the world had turned upside down. "And not just anyone but this kind of girlfriend?!"

The mother waved a hand dismissively at their reactions. "That's no way to talk about your brother! Come here, my little princesses, and sit down." She tugged Han Sooyoung by the hand and gently guided her to sit down too.

Despite her confusion, Han Sooyoung complied, taking a seat while Jooyeon's mother sat beside her. Hyerin and Hyemi, however, didn't let up.

"So," Hyemi threw her bag onto the ground dramatically and plopped into a chair beside her sister Hyerin began, popping a lollipop out of nowhere and spinning it in her mouth, "when did you two meet? Did he confess first? There's no way he made the first move, right?"

Hyerin, still confused . "Oppa has a girlfriend, and he didn't even tell us? What is this, some kind of drama?!"

"You two, behave!" their mother scolded, turning to Hyemi, who was now poking Han Sooyoung with her finger. Without missing a beat, the mother grabbed a slice of cake from her apron pocket and shoved it directly into Hyerin's mouth.

Caught off guard, Hyemi flailed, trying to chew while glaring at her mother. "Mmph! What the heck, Mom?!"

"Don't embarrass yourselves in front of our guest!" their mother scolded. "Now sit properly!"

Hyerin, meanwhile, snickered at Hyemi's struggle but quickly stopped when their mother shot her a stern look.

Han Sooyoung, sitting in the middle of this chaotic whirlwind, couldn't help but feel slightly overwhelmed. Is this really Jooyeon's family? They're so… lively. So different from him. And yet, somehow, it all makes sense.

The sisters finally settled down, but their curious eyes never left Han Sooyoung. The energy in the room buzzed with excitement as their questions filled the air, making her wonder if she had just walked into the heart of the storm.

Hyerin and Hyemi had barely contained their excitement, their rapid-fire questions coming at Han Sooyoung like arrows.

"So, where did you two meet?" Hyerin leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Was it love at first sight? Who made the first move?" Hyemi piped up, her hands clasped dramatically.

"Did he buy you flowers? He's never done anything romantic in his life!" Hyemi added with a smirk, clearly enjoying herself.

Han Sooyoung tried to interject, her lips parting as she raised a hand in an attempt to explain the misunderstanding, but the two sisters were relentless.

"Come on, unnie, tell us everything! Don't be shy!" Hyemi urged, practically bouncing in her seat.

"I'm not—" Han Sooyoung started, but was promptly cut off again.

"Wait, wait, did he stammer when he confessed? I bet he did!" Hyerin laughed, nudging Hyemi with her elbow.

The chaos grew louder, and Han Sooyoung's patience wore thinner. How did it escalate to this? she wondered. Before she could firmly correct their assumptions, a sharp, unmistakably angry voice cut through the commotion.

"Hyerin. Hyemi. What are you doing to the president?"

The room fell silent instantly. All heads turned toward the entrance where Jooyeon stood, his brows furrowed in irritation. His voice carried a weight none of them had ever heard before.

"Oppa! That's your president?!" Hyemi exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"president?! She's your boss?" Hyerin's jaw dropped as she processed the information.

Jooyeon stepped further into the room, his sharp gaze locking onto his sisters. "Of course, she's my boss. Why else would she be here? And what made you think it was okay to bombard her with all these questions?"

"We… we didn't mean to," Hyerin stammered, her earlier confidence vanishing.

"Shut up, Hyemi," Jooyeon snapped, cutting off her attempt to speak. "Just because you have a lot of freedom doesn't mean you can embarrass me—or my guest—like this."

It was the first time Jooyeon had ever sounded so stern, and it left everyone—including his mother—staring in stunned silence. His usual calm demeanor had been replaced by something fiercer, and the reason was clear: his boss.

Han Sooyoung, still seated, watched the scene unfold with an unreadable expression. While a part of her appreciated Jooyeon's defense, she couldn't help but worry about how this might reflect on him. 

As if sensing her thoughts, the mother quickly stood up, her expression shifting into one of alarm. "Oh, madam president, I… I deeply apologize!" She bowed deeply, her voice trembling. "Please don't hold this against Jooyeon. He's such a hardworking and responsible son. He really respects you—please don't fire him!"

Hyerin and Hyemi followed suit, their earlier playfulness completely gone. "Please forgive us, madam president!" they said in unison, bowing frantically. "We didn't know you were his boss! We thought… we thought you were…"

They trailed off awkwardly, glancing at Jooyeon, who pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Han Sooyoung sighed inwardly. She glanced at Jooyeon, who looked genuinely mortified, and then at his family, who were practically groveling. This has gotten completely out of hand, she thought. Clearing her throat, she stood up, her voice calm but firm.

"I understand there was a misunderstanding," she said, her gaze sweeping over the group. "But let's leave it at that. Jooyeon has always been professional, and I have no intention of letting this incident affect his position."

The mother and sisters looked visibly relieved, but Jooyeon still seemed tense.

"Thank you, madam president," the mother said, bowing again. "And I'm so sorry for the trouble."

Han Sooyoung gave a small nod, glancing at Jooyeon one last time before addressing the group. "Let's wrap this up here. Jooyeon, make sure this doesn't happen again."

"Yes, President Han," he said, his tone subdued but sincere.

As Han Sooyoung turned to leave, she couldn't help but smirk slightly. The scene, though chaotic, had revealed a side of Jooyeon she hadn't seen before—a protective, almost fierce side that he usually kept hidden.

Behind her, Jooyeon's family quietly watched her go, still processing the whirlwind of emotions and revelations.

Han Sooyoung held up a hand, stopping Jooyeon's mother mid-bow. Her voice was calm, yet firm, as she addressed the misunderstanding.

"Mrs. Jo, there's no need to bow or apologize so profusely. It's just a simple misunderstanding. Let's not worry too much about it," she said, a faint smile softening her usual authoritative demeanor.

Jooyeon, standing stiffly, looked utterly embarrassed. He stepped forward, bowing deeply. "I'm sorry, President Han. I didn't mean for my family to cause you trouble. I've embarrassed you and myself."

Han Sooyoung waved his apology off with a gentle motion. "It's all right, Jooyeon. These things happen. No harm done."

Hyerin and Hyemi, clearly feeling the weight of their earlier behavior, also stepped forward and bowed in unison. "We're so sorry, President Han! We didn't mean to be rude or make assumptions," Hyerin said, her voice tinged with guilt.

"Yes, please don't hold it against us," Hyemi added, her face a mix of worry and shame.

Sooyoung let out a small laugh, the tension in the room beginning to lift. "No need to apologize again. Really, it's fine."

As the atmosphere eased, Hyerin's stomach suddenly let out a loud, unmistakable growl. The sound echoed in the quiet room, catching everyone off guard.

Hyerin froze, her face turning crimson as she clutched her stomach. "Oh no…" she mumbled, covering her face with her hands.

A beat of silence passed before Hyemi' burst out laughing, unable to hold it in any longer. "Hyerin, really? Of all times?"

Jooyeon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, while Han Sooyoung chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement.

The laughter was contagious, and soon the rest of the family joined in. Even Hyemi, though still red-faced, let out an awkward giggle.

Jooyeon shook his head, muttering under his breath, "You're hopeless, Hyerin."

The lighthearted moment seemed to set the stage for a more comfortable interaction. Sensing the shift, Mrs. Jo clapped her hands together. "Why don't we all have a meal together? It's been so long since we've had everyone at the table."

The idea was met with enthusiastic nods from everyone except Jooyeon, who glanced nervously at his boss. Would she even want to stay for a casual meal with us? he thought, unsure of her reaction.

To his surprise, Han Sooyoung smiled warmly and gave a small nod. "That sounds like a wonderful idea," she said, her eyes meeting Jooyeon's for a brief moment, leaving him quietly astonished.

Hyerin and Hyemi, ever the opportunists, immediately tugged at their brother's arms from both sides, smirking at him mischievously. "Ohooo," Hyerin teased, winking exaggeratedly at Jooyeon.

"Looks like you got your new favorite," Hyemi chimed in, giggling.

Jooyeon groaned, pulling at their ears in retaliation. "You little brats. Cut it out."

"Ack! Oppa, let go!" Hyerin yelped.

"Not the ears!" Hyemi whined, squirming away.

With the mood now relaxed and playful, Mrs. Jo bustled around, setting up the dining table. Soon, everyone gathered around a spread of delicious Korean dishes. There was jajangmyeon, kimchi jjigae, freshly made mandu, and an assortment of seafood like grilled mackerel and spicy stir-fried squid. For sides, there were traditional classics like baechu kimchi, seasoned spinach, and bean sprouts.

"Wow, everything smells amazing!" Hyemi exclaimed, eagerly picking up her chopsticks.

Jooyeon sat near Han Sooyoung, feeling a mix of awkwardness and gratitude. He noticed her sampling the food with quiet elegance, her every movement captivating in its own way. She looked up at him briefly, her smile still in place, and he quickly averted his gaze, earning yet another round of teasing smirks from his sisters.

The meal was lively, filled with laughter, playful banter, and the occasional scolding from Mrs. Jo whenever Hyemi and Hyerin got too carried away.

As the evening wound down, Jooyeon felt a strange sense of relief. Despite the initial chaos, the night had turned into something unexpectedly heartwarming.