Bert from Canada

(A/N: Hi guys! I hope my updated schedule for some of these chapters for my story isn't being too slow. I'm a person who's disabled trying to make a living so it's a bit hard to try and focus on stuff rn ;;-;; but either here's a new chapter, enjoy!)

It was Saturday.

Bada made her way down the road to Auntie Park's restaurant--the scent of tobacco and a bit of smog passed her, cool air hitting her face. Although it had been incredibly hot during the day, it cooled down significantly during the night.

She knew Byeol didn't work on weekends, so she was in the clear to enjoy herself tonight. After the events of Monday, she had been avoiding Byeol to the best of her abilities, being anymore but home. She was embarrassed, about a lot things--him, sneaking up on her, feeling her heart flutter just from seeing his smile.

Finding Byeol attractive, what was she, crazy?

Bada was not a teenage girl anymore. Things like cute, lovable boys didn't move her like before. Moreover...it's best to crush those feelings before they foster a new life...especially since she's already become attached to him, the Male Lead.

The woman wore a white graphic tee that said 'MADE IN THE USA' in red letters and some worn blue jeans. Her face was free of makeup, except for black liner lining her dark eyes, and lipstick the color of cool burnt umber. Her dark hair is carelessly tousled, some falling in her bare face while in rest was wrapped in a half-hazard bun.

'Invitation' by Uhm Junghwa plays from a jukebox inside, and she's comforted by the full but homely feel of the restaurant. Bada finds Auntie Park acting as Hostess, checking a young couple in before she spots her. Like always, she wore her hair up a bun, and red lipstick on her lips.

"Auntie!"

"Bada-ah! You haven't eaten here in a while and if my son doesn't go over often, I would think something was wrong! See this auntie a bit more often, hmmm? Come on and sit, your food is on the house today." She rushes over, pulling Bada into a tight hug.

It was a mother's hug, alright.

"Gosh, Auntie, you don't have to do that. You know I can't stay away from your food. Is Grandma here? I want to thank her for sending vegetables the last time."

"She checked in early, she's old now so she often goes to sleep at more reasonable times. Now come--let's find you a seat!"

She ushers to a surprisingly empty table for two and...waves Byeol over. With her eyes wide in panic, Bada tries to cover her face--but it's too late.

He's looking a bit rushed, seeing that business was busy tonight. He had his dark brown hair tucked under a black bandana and had a black apron tied around his slack clad waist. He had a notepad in his hand, a tray in the other.

The older woman locks eyes with him, despite her efforts to avoid him for the past few days.

"Teacher Lee!"

She gives him a small, guilty smile.

"Son, take Bada's order, will you?"

Byeol nods, his gaze not breaking Bada's. Glancing at his mother walking away to entertain other guests. Not too long after, he went back to her. His face is close, his tall frame bent to stare into her eyes.

"I thought you don't work on weekends?"

He frowns, tucking a careless curl behind her ear.

"My mom needed more help tonight. Don't try to change the subject. I know you've been avoiding me."

"I...I haven't." Bada says, avoiding his wide and dark eyes.

"Yes you have. We need to talk--" Byeol glances at the crowd of people, "--later. The usual, Teacher Lee?"

"...alright."

Byeol disappears to the kitchen, only reappearing much later with a plate of jjajangmyeon.

"Remember, later." Bada nods, watching him stalk off to serve another table. Despite her anxious attitude, the arousing smell of the food in front of her pulls her over.

"Ah, that looks delicious." Her eyes switch from her food to a young man that looks to be around her age who says the sentence in English. His hair was long and voluminous--which makes him look a bit like a rockstar—he wore a golden chain that held a heart-shaped locket. He was wearing a black D.A.R.E muscle shirt and leather pants. Kind of looked like a western prince born from eastern parents.

"It is. Auntie Park's food is the best." Bada replies with a smile, gesturing for him to sit down since it's probably next to impossible for him to find a seat. A clap of thunder catches their attention, with the sound of a heavy downpour of rain.

She and the mystery man give at each other with similar incredulous looks, before bursting out in laughter.

"Lee, Lee Bada."

He looks at her outstretched hand before shaking it--a lot.

"Hubert."

You're bewildered, repeating, "Hubert? Mr. Rock-On has the name, Hubert?"

"Ah...blame my parents ok?!"

She stares at him, sporting a complicated expression...before she screeches in a fit of laughter.

Bada stops when he gives her a deep, disapproving grimace.

"Ok, ok. How about I save us less awkwardness and I call you Bert" He nods, looking uncomfortable as her laughter seems to attract unwanted stares.

"Well, ahem--Bert, are you a tourist?" Bert nods his head, taking his seat.

"I live with my girlfriend in Busan, although I'm from Canada. I'm on my way back home, passing through." He gestures to his locket, which he opens, revealing him and a cute girl, posing at an amusement park.

"Oh, she's cute~" Bada teases nudging a bit, showing a knowing smile--only to notice after that his eyes were glued to the table.

He stares at her still steaming hot jjajangmyeon, with hunger in his eyes. She hands him the spoon at your table, with her taking the fork instead.

"Here. Think of this as an apology for laughing at your name—plus, I can't finish this by myself. Auntie Park always gives me a lot of food." Bert's eyes dart between Bada and the dish—eventually, he takes a bite, his eyes lighting up soon after.

"Ah, this is awesome!"

"Right? Auntie Park's food is the best!" She chats with him for a while after. She learns he and his girlfriend were from Toronto—and after his Candian-French mother remarried, her step-father a native South-Korean she ended up in Busan. Sure enough, his girlfriend followed all the way to South Korea.

"Seriously though, when first came up I thought you were in a biker gang." Bert winks at her, gesturing to his leather-clad outfit.

"And I drove my bike here. Cool, right?" Bada giggles at his ridiculousness, then suddenly they both jump after hearing something drop and scatter. Bada's head turns in the direction of the commotion--she soon sees Byeol looking at her looking enraged and...slightly hurt.