Conan

Text from ?:

Hey Conan! Your grandma is a regular at the cafe I work at. She's just the loveliest woman. And my name is Sulbi or "Sherry"--for my English name. Either one is fine.

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Okay cool. So my grandma reached out to a customer service worker who basically can't say no to her customers about any request in order to get her number to share with her grandson. Nice. I wonder why Sherry or Sulbi is following through with it though.

On the sofa, I laid on my back and stared up at my phone, trying to figure out if I want to continue messaging her. Then I look at my grandma at the dinner table, sipping tea with the rest of my family. She's probably proud of herself for setting me up with someone. Or maybe this is normal and customary in South Korea. Then I meet eyes with my grandma and she grins ear to ear and nods her head. I smile back and point to my phone to signal that I'm texting the girl. Her smile is so big that her golden teeth show.

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Text from Conan:

Cool. Nice to meet you. Do you go to school? I'm a first year at Bates College.

Text from Sulbi/Sherry:

I'm also a first year at Bates College... I actually sort of know you? Or at least know of you. You're on the swim team. You're basically the pride and joy of Bates.

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Okay... not sure what to say back... But I'm flattered I guess. Weird how I didn't know Sherry/Sulbi because Bates is a small school and I thought I met everyone already, but I guess not.

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Text from Conan:

Thanks. Actually, how about we get some Boba right now? It's only 8 and I'm dying to have an excuse to leave this family gathering. Plus my grandma will be overjoyed.

Text from Sherry/Sulbi:

Ooo right now? Actually... I can't. I'm in a pickle myself. I'm having dinner with my family and my brother is visiting from out of town. Next time though?

Text from Conan:

Yeah for sure. Just hit me up when you're free.

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I doubt she would. I mean who would want to meet up with a guy whose grandma practically forced her to text.