chapter 10- home

"It's my mom's birthday. Are you coming with me?" Amy asked with a hopeful smile.

"Me? Why?" Zahn replied, caught off guard.

"Come on. My mom has invited you," Amy insisted.

"Can I skip?" Zahn asked, hesitating.

"Just come," Amy pleaded, not taking no for an answer.

Zahn sighed. "Fine..."

The reason Zahn hesitated was simple, he had no idea what he would say there. He would mostly feel awkward, and he dreaded facing Amy's father, who would surely bombard him with questions.

But since he was going, Zahn decided to buy some gifts on the way.

"Here is your flower bouquet," the shopkeeper said, handing Zahn the bouquet.

"What does your mother like more?" Zahn asked Amy, still uncertain.

Amy laughed. "Zahn, it's okay, you don't need to worry about that."

"Still, I can't go empty-handed. I need to buy more things," he insisted.

"My mom is obsessed with sweets. Just get her something like that."

He doubted if it would be right. "Tell me something else she likes."

"Fine"

__________

Amy's house was a cozy single-floor home with a small garden outside, filled with a variety of plants and colorful flowers.

When they rang the bell, Amy's mother came to open the door. "You're here! How have you been, Zahn?"

"I've been fine, ma'am. Happy birthday to you

These are some gifts for you," Zahn said with a smile, handing her the bouquet and other gifts.

Her mother's eyes sparkled. "Oh, how generous! I love this potted plant!" She then turned to her daughter with a mock stern look. "Zahn bought me gifts, but did you get me anything?"

"Of course!" Amy said, pulling out a box of chocolates.

Her mother raised an eyebrow, speaking sarcastically. "Why do I feel like you'll end up eating this whole box yourself?"

Amy laughed. "Mom, I won't! Seriously!"

Zahn was amazed by this mother-daughter duo, but then his eyes fell on Amy's father, who was glaring at him.

Zahn thought, This is so awkward..

"Dear, this is Zahn, Amy's boyfriend," she said warmly. "He's such a nice kid."

Zahn offered a polite smile, feeling a bit embarrassed but appreciating the kindness in her words. Amy's father gave Zahn a scrutinizing look before nodding in approval.

"Anyway, Zahn, take a seat " her mother said.

Zahn sat down on the couch, and observed the photo frames on the wall and the photos on the table. They depicted Amy and her parents visiting various places, It seemed like Amy's family lived very harmoniously. Her mother was cheerful, and while her dad seemed strict, he clearly cared deeply for Amy. It was so different from Zahn's own family.

Later, it was cake-cutting time. Amy, enthusiastic as always, handed out party hats to everyone. She turned to Zahn and asked, "Can you record it on the phone?"

"Sure," Zahn replied, taking the phone and starting to record the moment.

Her mother and father stood by side by side, cutting the cake together, while Amy sang the birthday song cheerfully, clapping along. But Zahn's eyes were solely on Amy, zooming in on her, capturing her laughter and smile. It was very endearing, warming his heart.

"Zahn, come here and have some cake," her mom invited, breaking Zahn's trance.

She picked up a slice and fed it to Zahn herself. He was taken aback by the gesture, feeling a surge of warmth and gratitude.

"Thank you, ma'am," Zahn said, his voice sincere.

After that, they had a peaceful dinner together and some conversation.

"Is the food to your liking?" Amy's father asked, his eyes still sharp and penetrating, making Zahn feel nervous.

Zahn nodded, feeling flustered. "It's really great."

Her mother smiled and inquired, "You share a class, right? Does Amy study well?"

Amy quickly replied, "Of course, Mom, I do!"

"I asked Zahn, not you," her mother retorted.

Amy felt nervous that Zahn might reveal the truth. She lightly hit Zahn's foot under the table.

Caught off guard, Zahn cleared his rhroat, "Uh, ma'am, don't worry. Amy studies well. She's been doing good recently." He could still feel her father's intense gaze on him.

Her mother looked delighted. "Oh, really? That's probably because of your influence on her! That's why I tell her to leave her lazy friends."

"Mom, my friends are the best!" Amy protested.

Her mother ignored her. "Amy, focus on eating. No talking."

Amy: "....."

After dinner, Zahn was about to head home, but Amy tugged on his sleeve. "Stay a little longer? Please?"

He was unsure but ended up staying.

They later watched some TV shows together, sitting on the couch with Amy munching on chips as a post-dinner snack. Her mother came out of the kitchen and noticed how attentive Zahn was to Amy. Whatever she needed, Zahn handed it over immediately.

She couldn't resist saying, "You two seem like siblings."

"....." Zahn was taken aback.

Amy: "Mom, are you serious?? We don't even look like!"

"Did you see how he's looking after you all the time? Grow up, Amy. At least pick up the water bottle yourself instead of asking someone else," she scolded.

"Urgh, Mom!"

"Now go wash the dishes. Don't just sit here chilling," she instructed.

"No way!" Amy refused.

Zahn intervened. "Ma'am, I can do that."

"Oh no, Zahn, you're a guest. How can you do those?"

"It's really alright. I'm used to it." He went to the kitchen and started washing the dishes.

Her mother felt blessed that her daughter's boyfriend was so well-mannered. She also glared at her daughter, who was lounging on the couch, continuing to watch her show. What a lazy!

In the kitchen, her mother spoke to Zahn. "Amy told me you stay alone. Are you able to do all the work yourself? Chores, cooking. Isn't it tiring?"

"I do. It's not tiring at all. I actually like doing that," he replied.

She was amazed and surprised. "You manage both your studies and these chores. And look at my Amy, she doesn't do a thing! Sigh. It's my fault. When she was young, her father and I spoiled her so much. Now she's become a lazy child."

He smiled a little, despite his usual sternness. "Amy will mature with time." Although he often scolded her for not studying, he understood that things like cooking or chores could be learned gradually.

"Anyway, I know you said she's doing well recently in her studies, but can you make sure she gets good marks this semester? In the last two semesters, I've seen poor performance from her. Please help her with her studies too."

He nodded, taking on the responsibility. "Okay, ma'am. I'll try my best to help Amy."

___________

When Zahn came out of the kitchen and headed to Amy, she pulled him closer. "Mom probably talked about me. Did you put in complaints about me?"

"She just told me to care about your studies. But no, I will complain next time if you don't study," he replied sarcastically.

Amy rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't even try"

"Anyway, do you want to see my room?" Amy asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

Zahn : "Oh? Okay."

The door to Amy's room was covered in colorful stickers. As she opened it, Zahn was taken aback. The room was filled with stuffed toys and posters, giving it a whimsical, childlike charm.

"Come on in," Amy invited, patting the bed for him to sit.

Zahn looked around, "It looks like a child's room, honestly."

Amy shrugged, unfazed. "Yeah, so? I love these stuffed toys."

Zahn tried to annoy Amy. "You know, I never kept toys"

Amy rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah right, you were born mature since the moment you were born, huh?"

"Maybe I was," he teased back.

Amy laughed, her eyes twinkling. "You're being quite talkative today. Are you trying to annoy me?"

Zahn smirked. "Maybe a little."

" Well Do you want to see my photo album?" she suggested, her excitement palpable.

"Sure, show me," Zahn agreed, curious.

Amy pulled out a couple of albums from the shelf, flipping through the pages. She showed him photos of her childhood, school plays, family picnics, and trips.

Zahn glanced at the photos, noticing Amy's bright smile in each one. "You look very cute in those."

Amy grinned, teasing him. "What about now? Aren't I still cute?"

"Still cute," Zahn replied, sincerity in his tone and eyes.

Amy's smile widened, satisfied. She then took out some board games like Ludo and Snakes and Ladders. They played for a while, enjoying the moment.

"Yay, I won again!" Amy exclaimed, feeling happy with another win.

"You seem great at those," Zahn remarked, impressed.

"Yes, nobody can make me lose. I'm a master at these games. But I can teach you," she proudly claimed.

Zahn smiled at Amy's boastful image.

"Anyway did you never play such games before? What did you like to do as a child?" Amy asked.

"No, I hadn't. I liked reading various books and learning skills."

She was stunned. "For real? That's so boring! My childhood was spent playing indoor and outdoor games. Not a day passed without me playing something. Let me tell you more about my childhood..."

Zahn listened attentively, captivated by Amy's animated recounting of her childhood mischief, the way she used to annoy her parents, and the countless kids who wanted to be her friends. He found himself amused and charmed by her vibrant stories of adventure and play.

Later, it was time for zahn to go home. Amy and Zahn stood outside the home, having a small talk.

"I will come to bother you tomorrow," she announced with a mischievous grin.

He replied playfully, "Oh seriously? If you try to bother me, I'll have to enlist your mom for backup."

"You better not do that," she laughed, nudging him softly. "Well anyway.."

"Mhm?"

Amy quickly leaned in and gave a quick kiss on Zahn's lips. It was very quick, but Zahn was stunned, his heart pounding. "Amy..."

"Are you shy?" she teased with a playful glint in her eyes.

"I'm not..." Zahn stammered, trying to regain his composure.

"Haha," Amy laughed heartily, enjoying his reaction.

As Zahn walked away, Amy turned to go back inside. Suddenly, she froze. Through the window, she saw her father watching them with a stern expression. Her face turned grim.

"Amy, come here," her father called out, his voice serious.

Amy walked over, feeling a mix of embarrassment and dread. "Yes, Dad?"

Her father sighed, shaking his head. "Amy, you need to be careful with men. They can be... tricky."

"Dad, it's not like that," Amy protested, her cheeks flushing.

"You are still young, you know nothing! , boys can be trouble! You need to be cautious," he continued, his tone a mix of concern and old-fashioned protectiveness.

Amy couldn't help but feel embarrassed. "Dad, Zahn is a good guy. You don't need to worry."

Her father raised an eyebrow, sighing. " you never listened to me"

After an hour of her father's advice

She finally walked back to her room, she couldn't help but laugh at the situation at the time feel embarrassed though She knew her father meant well and is protective of her.

Amy also felt like she was getting closer to Zahn's heart with time, uncovering more of his true self and breaking through his cold exterior. Each moment shared revealed another layer of his warmth and gentleness. She was excited to see more of his side and deepen their bond.

However, she hadn't expected what would happen the next day.