I laughed as we watched Kaylee hold up two rolls of homemade mochi bread to TaeTae's puffed-out cheeks. "What do you guys think?" she asked.

"Looks the same," I remarked, receiving a kick to my shins under the table. I kicked TaeTae back and waited for another one, but it seemed she had decided to let me win. This time, anyway. Her face turned bright red and everyone laughed.

"Sorry, Tae, but I had to," Kaylee said. "You know, payback." She stuck out her tongue at my little sister, who pouted. I chuckled and continued eating my kimchi. The table was quiet for a while as everyone ate their food.

Once everyone was done, Tae asked, "So what's for dessert?"

"Ice cream," my mother answered. "It's in the freezer. Go get it, please."

"Yes, eomma," TaeTae answered.

"So, are you guys dating now, or what?" my mother asked in English. Kaylee's cheeks flushed a bright red. I felt my face heating up, too.

"No," Kaylee and I said at the same time, making her blush even more. "No, we're not," I repeated. I could tell my mother didn't believe us, but she didn't push the subject any further.

Kaylee's phone buzzed and she took it off the table. She read the text and answered it quickly. "My dad wants me to come home."

"Don't you want to stay for dessert?" my mom asked.

"No, he says it's really urgent," she replied. "I don't know."

"Okay, sweetie. You know you're welcome to come over whenever you want," halmeoni said.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Your backpack's in my room, Kaylee," I reminded her.

"I know that, Joon," she said, smirking. She walked upstairs and came back down not even a minute later, her backpack slung over one shoulder. She came back into the dining room and hugged everyone, saying goodbye.

"Thanks for dinner, halmeoni," Kaylee said. "See you TaeTae."

"You're leaving already?" my sister asked, pouting.

"Yes, I have to go home," Kaylee answered, hugging her. "I'll text you when I get home, okay? And I'll send you the study guide. You can't fail on me." She said to me. I laughed and said, "Yes, ma'am." She left and it was just me and my family. They were all staring at me.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing," my mother replied. Everyone looked away and we ate our ice cream in silence.