chapter 7 - "mom"

_____

Amy scrolled through the campus forum, feeling relieved. "Nobody seems to have seen us together, thanks to your hoodie I wore."

"Does it even matter if someone saw us or not?" Zahn asked, irritation creeping into his voice. He didn't understand why Amy needed to hide.

"It's just... I'm not comfortable sharing it with others. At least not for now."

"Fine," Zahn said, taking the phone from her hand. "No more using the phone now. Have this porridge and go to sleep."

She smiled, looking pleased. "Oh, how kind of you."

Amy liked the fact that Zahn was treating her with such care. It was great for a while, but then she started to get annoyed. He wasn't letting her do anything!

"Zahn, it's evening already! Give me back my phone! I'm so bored!"

"Amy, you should rest," he instructed.

"I'm not even sick!"

"Then read a book."

"..."

No way!

Amy ran off to the living room and turned on the TV, but for some reason, it didn't start. "What happened to the television?"

"Oh, it's not working."

"Urgh!" She had a suspicion that Zahn must have done something.

When the boredom was killing her, Amy picked up a sketchbook and started drawing.

Zahn was surprised. Lazy Amy, who usually did nothing but watch TV or use her phone, was finally drawing. He was too curious to see, after so long.

"What did you draw? Show me," he said eagerly.

"Ta-da! See, I drew you!" she exclaimed.

Zahn was stupefied seeing her drawing. Outwardly, he said, "Your drawing is still bad." But internally, he couldn't help but admire her effort.

She looked at him, annoyed. "Why do you have to be so blunt? Anyway, can you draw better?" she challenged.

He replied confidently, "A little better, yes."

Zahn was not particularly interested in drawing, but he had given attention to all subjects during his school years, so he was a little good at art. He made a quick doodle. "I'm done."

Amy was ready to roast him, but his drawing surprised her. "You're even good at this?"

"Not good, just average."

"Why are you good at everything? Urgh, I'm jealous of you."

"Huh?"

Be it studies, cooking, or these skills, he was good at them all. Compared to him, Amy wasn't good at any of them.

"But I'm still bored. Give me back my phone," she demanded.

Zahn wasn't willing today. He ignored her and picked up some books to study again.

She was truly helpless now, so she decided to bother him. She clung to him like a worm, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He was caught off guard again. "What are you doing?"

"I'm just bored," she whined, nuzzling into his side.

Zahn sighed, exasperated. "What do I do about you?" His eyes once again fell on the bandage on her head. He lightly petted her head, showing concern for her well-being.

She is really trouble. She doesn't take care of herself at all. But....., what's up with me? Why am I so overly concerned and protective over her now?

Zahn still wondered if Amy was serious about him or not since he couldn't let go of his trust issues. His own feelings were also very muddled. Since their relationship had gotten a proper label, Zahn found himself becoming more attached to Amy, but he didn't know if it was for the better...

_____

Zahn became increasingly protective of Amy's health, making sure she ate well and handling her fruits. While Amy enjoyed this treatment, there were moments that tested her patience.

The most annoying part for her was being woken up in the morning, her blanket being pulled away by Zahn.

"Amy, wake up! You have class in an hour!" Zahn said firmly.

"Urgh, let me sleep!" she shouted, burying her face in the pillow.

"No, you better get up," he insisted, snatching the blanket away and leaving her no choice.

Zahn felt like he was raising a very annoying kid at home. Despite the frustrations, he continued his responsibilities to take care of her.

Amy reluctantly followed his orders. She felt like she was living with her mother-being woken up on time, told to eat more, made to eat all her vegetables, and scolded for her studies.

During breakfast, Amy tried to avoid the veggies as usual.

"Sigh... Are you a child? You better eat that," Zahn said, picking up a fork and spearing a piece of broccoli, holding it out to her. "Here."

Amy was amused by his action and opened her mouth to eat, regardless of whether she liked the veggies or not.

"You know what?" A mischievous grin spread across her face.

"What?" Zahn already had a bad feeling.

"I should start calling you 'Mom,'" she said with a teasing smile.

Zahn blinked, caught off guard. "What...?"

"You act exactly like my mom--fussing over me, scolding me... So 'Mom' seems like a fitting nickname," she laughed.

"... You! Are you serious?" He couldn't believe her audacity,

This girl always had weird thoughts!

Amy continued to laugh, thoroughly enjoying his reaction.

she found her new joy anyway. She started calling Zahn 'Mom' every time. Zahn was at his wit's end. Amy had called him 'Mom' at least a dozen times, She found endless amusement in his reactions, enjoying every moment of his exasperation.

He was so damn pissed off now.

When Amy came back, she rushed to Zahn and hugged his neck, trying to annoy him as always. "Mom, I'm back~"

"That's it!" Zahn finally snapped, his patience worn thin. "Amy, stop calling me 'Mom'! It's driving me crazy! You need to take things seriously for once!"

"Oh yeah sure... Mom. I get it, I will be serious, okay?" A mischievous smile tugged at her lips.

Zahn was even more exasperated now. "Amy, stop it, will you? I don't like it at all. Can't you treat me like an equal... like a partner?"

Amy paused, surprised, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, so you want me to call you something else?" Her tone was teasing.

He felt his cheeks heat up slightly. "Urgh. It's useless to talk to you." He felt like he had become the caretaker of this brat! He wondered if she even liked him or if she just wanted a caretaker.

"Fine, fine... I will stop bothering you, okay? For real this time."

"Really?"

She nodded.

"Phew, good," he said, taking a breath of relief.

"Well, at least for now," she grinned.

He rolled his eyes, already seeming tired out.

The next day after classes, Amy spotted Zahn heading home. She noticed there weren't many students around, just her friends, and found it safe to approach him.

"I'll go home with him," she said.

"You aren't coming to the arcade with us?" Ruby asked.

"Sorry, I want to go with him," Amy replied, waving to her friends as she ran off to where Zahn was.

"Urgh. Ever since she realized her feelings for him, she has almost forgotten us! We are her best friends," Ruby complained, clearly annoyed.

Noah laughed. "Does it matter? They are literally dating."

Ruby frowned. "You don't understand."

________________

"Hey, Zahn!" Amy called out, waving enthusiastically.

Zahn looked up, surprised. "Amy? What are you doing here?"

"Nothing, I was hanging out with my friends, then I saw you."

"Oh," Zahn replied, slightly suspicious. Does she want to bother me again?

"Zahn, let's go to the park and eat these snacks," she suggested, showing him a bag filled with potato croquettes.

"These again? And no, I'm going home," Zahn said, trying to resist.

"Let's go anyway," Amy insisted, grabbing his hand and leading him to the park, leaving him no choice as always.

They walked side by side to the nearby park, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over them. Amy chatted animatedly about random things, and Zahn listened patiently.

When they reached the park, Amy found a quiet, secluded spot near a bench. They sat down and started eating the snacks. She turned to Zahn, a playful glint in her eyes. "You know, it's fun to be around you."

Zahn wondered aloud, "What's fun? Annoying me?"

Amy laughed. "Well, yup, but I really like you."

His heart skipped a beat the moment he heard that.

"Do you want to kiss?" she asked casually.

"What..?"

"It's been a while since the last one," she continued.

"Here..?"

"Yes," she said, once again looking around to make sure no one was there.

She moved closer, her heart pounding as she leaned in. Zahn felt the same nervousness. His heart raced with conflicting emotions.

Just as she was about to plant a kiss on his lips, a familiar voice called out her name.

"Amy!"

Amy froze, her eyes widening in shock. She turned to see her mom standing a few feet away, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion.

"Mom?" Amy stammered, stepping back from Zahn.

Her mom, Alma approached them, her gaze shifting between Amy and Zahn. "What's going on here?"

Amy's face turned crimson, and she struggled to find her words. "We were just... hanging out."

Zahn was equally flustered.

Alma raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Just hanging out, huh?"

Amy sighed, realizing there was no easy way out of this situation. "Mom, this is Zahn. My boyfriend."

Alma's expression turned to shock. "You are dating? But you didn't tell me anything about that!"

Amy replied, "I'm sorry... I was about to tell you anyway."

She knew the conversation wouldn't be short. Her mother wanted to talk and invited Zahn to join them at a cafe. There, Amy continued getting her scolding.

"I get that you didn't want to share it yet, but I'm still your mother."

"Yes, yes... I get that. I'm sorry. Anyway, let me tell you about Zahn. I've known him since our school years. He was the top student in our school. He's intelligent and has helped me with my studies. Not only that, but he's also very generous and takes great care of me. He's so nurturing." Amy continued praising Zahn, while Zahn started to feel embarrassed.

Her mom was bewildered. How did Amy even get this guy? He looked too disciplined and proper.

"Oh, I'll go get our order," said Amy, leaving her seat to pick up their drinks from the counter.

Zahn was already feeling awkward, glancing around as he waited.

"Well, I hadn't expected she would date someone, especially someone this proper. But my girl isn't forcing you, right?" Alma asked.

"No... not at all," Zahn replied, unable to reveal that their relationship did exactly start that way.

"She is very mischievous. She loves to annoy people. But don't mind her, okay? She is actually kind and values those she cares for."

He nodded. "Amy is very generous."

"Right? I'm very generous, not as evil as you think, Mom," Amy said as she returned with their drinks.

Her mom shook her head. "Well, you are evil though. How are you doing nowadays? Are you living well with your friend?"

"Yes..I'm living fine with my friend"

I'm gonna be dead if she knew I'm saying over zahn's place..

They talked for a little while longer, and Zahn continued to feel awkward as her mother asked him questions. Finally, her mother was going back home.

"Your semester results should be good. Don't be a brat and focus on your studies. Also, come home often," Alma instructed.

"Yes, yes, I get that," Amy replied disinterestedly.

"I doubt you're serious. Well zahn take care of this brat okay? Please motivate her for studies "

" Urgh mom" Amy rolled her eyes.

"Yes, ma'am... I will " he knew that was near impossible.

Finally, she left, and Zahn was relieved.

"I'm surprised you didn't put your list of complaints about me," Amy said as they walked home together.

"Yeah, I wanted to."

She laughed. "You did? Well, you noticed how similar you and my mom are. Both always scolding me."

"You need the scolding," he replied sarcastically.

"But you said I'm very generous."

"I had to. I had no other choice."

She pouted, nudging him playfully.

"Seriously? Come on, Admit it already. You know I think so much about you the whole day"

He glanced at her, his eyes softened seeing how boastful she is. "Fine. You are very generous."

She grinned. Looking pleased.

Looking at her expression, a smile formed on his lips.

With each passing day, Amy and Zahn found themselves growing closer. Their playful banter, shared moments, and heartfelt conversations were steadily building a deep connection. As they walked home that evening, side by side, the warmth of their budding bond was undeniable. Their journey together was just beginning, promising both challenges and beautiful moments yet to come.