Mom's Boyfriend (3)
Eryn's condition seemed off.
"Are you sick or something?"
"... No."
She was usually so lively and cheerful, but today her replies were a full beat late, as if her mind had wandered off somewhere.
I noticed how distracted she was throughout the lesson and had to say something as her private tutor. While organizing her study materials, I cleared my throat to keep my voice soft. I had to be careful in moments like this. If my tone turned even slightly sharp, it might make the kids cry—something I'd rather avoid. It would be pretty awkward, especially since Eryn was... my girlfriend's daughter now.
The words sounded strange, but relationships had advanced to the point where Se-ah and I could seriously talk about marriage, so Eryn no longer just felt like a student. I wanted to do more for her.
Eryn was undeniably beautiful and charming. The face she inherited from Se-ah had a cuter, more youthful charm to it. Her figure... well, as a teacher I had to be careful with that assessment, but objectively, there was a very good chance she'd grow up to look just like her mother.
So if she kept attending a good university, she'd be perfect—truly perfect. As her teacher, I wanted to help shape her into that ideal.
I carefully opened my mouth.
"What's up with you today? You look like your head's full of stuff."
"... It's nothing like that."
Yeah, I knew exactly what that meant. Teachers like me could spot when kids were about to open up. It wasn't hard to guess they were about to spill something.
If I backed off now, it would backfire. Kids don't dump their problems all at once. I had to ease them in gently until they felt ready to talk. Only then would they actually carry the weight for a while.
"Huh? From my perspective, it seems like you're not focusing well today. I must have jumped to conclusions. Sorry about that."
"... No, it's fine."
Eryn hesitated for a moment, then bit her lip slightly before speaking.
"Teacher."
She had me.
"Hmm?"
"What if... what if you started dating someone you really like and respect? Someone who's almost like a brother to you?"
I reacted with a fake look of surprise. That was something I could have easily predicted. The problems this age group faced rarely strayed far from one thing: love. And in the early twenties, hearts were far more vulnerable.
I smiled gently.
"So Eryn, you have a crush on someone?"
"... Yeah."
Her expression grew darker. It was clear she was in deep, unrequited love. I didn't need to push further by asking about the guy. It would only hurt her more.
"Aigo, so my Eryn has a crush on someone? Wow, I'd love to know who it is. Does he just play around with other girls now?"
"Well... yeah. But that person I respect is also my teacher."
"I see... That must have hurt."
"... "
Eryn looked at me, then let out a long sigh. She must have been carrying that pain for a long time.
"It's okay. It's okay. Anyone in that situation can feel that way."
"Teacher... really..."
She sounded so frustrated. Why? Had I done something wrong?
"Eryn, did I do something wrong?"
"... You really don't know?"
She suddenly sounded annoyed. Wasn't I the one she came to for advice?
I was managing thanks to the System—without it, I would have been scolded even more times over.
I hadn't dated much, so I couldn't be expected to know everything.
"Um... Teacher really doesn't know? Could you tell me?"
At my words, Se-ah let out a heavy sigh and answered in a cold tone.
"Enough. Before that, Teacher, is there something you want to say to me?"
"Say something?"
What?
Did I do something wrong to you?
"... You don't know?"
My dazed reply only made Eryn frown and fire back.
"Teacher, you're dating my mom."
What?
"Huh? Yesterday Mom told me."
"I-I know that. But she said it because of... you, right? Because of Se-ah, no, because of the teacher?"
My mind went blank.
"Yeah. Yesterday at dinner, Mom told me she was seeing someone she really likes and is thinking about seriously."
"That... that means... Eryn, I hid it because..."
"Enough. You didn't do anything wrong, and Mom didn't either. I just... feel a little hurt."
"Exactly. It's only natural. This is my fault. Eryn, I hid it from you..."
"You don't have to think too hard. Besides, there's a big age gap between Mom and Teacher. That explains it."
"... That's true. Sorry. I should have talked to you about it properly."
I started begging with my hands and feet. Eryn smiled playfully.
"It's okay. But Teacher, you have to remember something."
She said it with a bright, genuine smile.
"My mom is the person I respect most. She deserves to be happy. You have to make her happy, don't you?"
I could only nod dumbly.
After class, I left the room in a daze. Se-ah was already waiting with that knowing look.
"Eryn... didn't say anything?"
We were alone now. Even so, I preferred this. My heart felt steadier. And right now, I needed that more than ever.
"Nothing bad."
"... Were you mad?"
"Mad? Me? How could I be? I'm the one who should be upset."
If someone can accept another woman while still loving me, I shouldn't be the one to blow up. Especially not when it comes to my name and honor.
"Hard day?"
Se-ah knew I was coming. She pulled me into her large chest and patted my back. Probably to give Eryn time to sort her feelings.
The warm, feminine scent from her chest was something I had smelled almost every day lately. It calmed my heart. I sighed and whispered.
"Can't do a date today?"
"Maybe not. I need to talk to my daughter first."
"... Don't go?"
We usually handled things better together.
But Se-ah shook her head firmly.
"There's something I need to talk about with the girls. I'll head home early. If you don't want to sleep alone, walk with Jiyeon. Se-hwa said she was going out with Min-ji for late-night snacks and gossiping."
The husband gets left behind again! That line didn't work. I had to accept the times when I didn't come home because we were busy together.
"Jiyeon-noona says she can't make it today either. She'll go home and sleep early."
"Sorry, my love."
Se-ah gently kissed my forehead.
"Instead, come to the company for lunch tomorrow. Got it?"
That elegant, mature aura from my older, doting wife made my lower body ache. I forced it down and headed home.
After Se-hyun left, Se-ah took a moment, then knocked on Eryn's door.
*Knock knock.*
No answer. She had expected this. By telling Eryn, she had meant to break the twisted situation where a mother and daughter both loved the same man.
"Mom's coming in."
Se-ah didn't wait for permission. She turned the knob, and Eryn, who had been lying face-down on her desk, blinked and turned her head.
"Huh? Mom."
"... Were you crying?"
"No, no. Just... felt sleepy. I wasn't crying. You don't need to worry."
Eryn tried to sound casual, but her usual bright, cheerful tone still carried a faint unease. Se-ah smiled softly.
"How about we have a glass of wine together, our daughter?"
"Wine?"
Eryn hesitated, clearly tense. She hadn't avoided alcohol since adulthood, and she had clinked glasses with Mom before. Still, she was acting this way because the Mom standing before her looked... bigger.
... Her chest really was larger than before. But that was normal.
"W-why all of a sudden? I just finished class and I'm tired..."
"It's not sudden. I heard from Se-hyun how hard you're studying. I know you're doing your best."
Se-hyun.
That name was loaded with love—far beyond love. It was almost worship. The moment Eryn heard it, her chest tightened.
"Th-then I should have one too. What kind of wine is there?"
Eryn forced a smile and stood up. Her steps toward the kitchen looked normal as she passed Se-ah. But she couldn't escape the soft, understanding gaze that followed her.