12 Time

Park's Goods was not that busy when Seo-yeon arrived. She and Jin agreed to meet around four which gave her two hours to help her mom with the store, although her mother constantly refuses her assistance. She greeted Hye, who was managing the register, and headed to the office.

"Mom?"

Her mother looked up from a her laptop, and quickly hid papers, and reciepts into her drawer. This move was not missed by Seo-yeon. The store wasn't as busy as it used to be, and the cost to keep the store was more than what they were bringing in. What little money she earned as a photographer was given to her mother for rent, which was the least she could do. She and her brother continued to help knowing it would be a hassle to hire a part timer. Fortunately, Hye had earned a scholarship, and Seo-yeon had earned a grant for college, so her mother didn't have to worry about financially supporting their education.

"Yun Yun, what're you doing here? Hye said you were taking a half day."

"I am. That's why I'm here." Her mother sighed, and walked out into the store. Seo-yeon glanced at the desk, but followed her mother.

"There's not much to help with. Hye has the registered covered, and there aren't many customers."

"Can't I just stop to check on things? Geeze, you're making me feel unwanted." She pouted.

"Hey, Yun Yun, who's this guy Kang Dae mentioned?" Hye shouted from behind the counter.

"Guy?" Their mother turned to Seo-yeon, addressing the question to her. It wasn't often Seo-yeon mentioned men. A few crushes in middle-school, and high school, but never one that turned into a relationship.

"He's just someone we met during a photoshoot."

"Kang Dae said he's real handsome, and it seemed like he was interested in you." She denied this by shaking her head at her mother, then stared daggers at her brother. 'Kang Dae and his big mouth!'

"Oh? What's his name?" Mom asked.

"Mom, it's not like that. We just met, and are still getting to know each other."

"Then why are you blushing?" This from Hye.

"I'm not!" Seo-yeon quickly covered her cheeks, causing them to burst into laughter. A group of teenagers entered to her relief. She used this opportunity to escape their interragation and seek shelter in the office.

She sat at her mom's desk, and picked up a paper not hidden by her mother. It was a notice from a vendor of new fee rates. 'Mom must be trying to find a way to fit this new budget.' She knew that her mother needed more help than she lets on, but she continued to act like everything was fine. 'I'll be a better daughter, Mom.'

***4:00 PM***

Jin arrived right at the scheduled time. Seo-yeon had been waiting outside, praying her mother or brother wouldn't come out and see her leaving. She told them she would be out for a while, but didn't say with who. 'I'm going to avoid that humiliation.'

He wasn't wearing the mask when she entered the car, but it was on the dashboard ready for use. He began to drive when she was buckled.

"I'm sorry if this was late notice." Jin stated.

"It's not an issue. Today was my day off, so this worked out."

"Were you helping your mom with the store?"

"No, she didn't want my help."

"Why? If you don't mind me asking."

"They don't have a lot of customers, and she feels I should be doing something else. She doesn't say it anymore, but I know she wants me to quit running the studio and find a more stable job."

"What do you feel?" Jin kept his eyes on the road, but would casually glance at her to check her facial expressions.

"She's right. I've enjoyed the few years I've run the shop. I love my free time, but my mom could use the financial help. Hye is still in school, so he can help with the labor, but I can contribute. It's time to grow up, and find a job at one of those big companies you mentioned."

Jin wondered what triggered this sudden change in her. He didn't ask, wanting to respect her privacy. It was enough that she shared this much when she wasn't aware of his secret. Before he could comment, she changed the topic to the garden location.

'Don't ruin our last day together, Seo-yeon' she told herself. He was leaving sometime tomorrow, and she didn't want to spoil what little time they had discussing family issues. Jin took the hint, and respected her silent plea. They discussed the garden features, how the lighthouse pictures turned out, and any other topic that was not too deep or personal. Neither wanted to ruin the time spent together.