Yu leaps inside the house, even forgetting to let his shoes off. Those cars and their owners are not something that he expects.

He storms inside, passes by the foyer, and walks straight into the family room when he sees Peony, Blue, and Red squirm on the long couch, facing a woman who sits elegantly across them.

"You..." Blue immediately stands up. Following by Red and Peony. The girl seems awkward and flusters a bit. Perhaps the conversation is rather uncomfortable for her. Even Red, who is accustomed to the visitor looks uneasy.

"Why are you here?"

"That's how you greet your mother?" asks the woman, giving him sharp side eyes. Yu huffs a bit, fixing his posture. Grey, who slowly rose into the room and couldn't hide her shocked expression, immediately bows towards the woman.

"You should at least text..."

"I believe I can stop by at my son's house anytime, anywhere..." She puts down the teacup, eyes on the trio who freeze on the couch.

"Generous, but we're doing just fine, Mom," Yu respectfully responded to her claim.

"How should I know that you are fine? I heard you brought a stranger home. And, I heard about Grey as well. I don't know what more ruckus you're gonna bring next time," Arisa glares at her son.

"Thanks for the concern but there is nothing to worry about. I'm doing fine. Thanks to Peony, she took care of me well," says Grey. Peony slowly stares at Grey.

"She should. She's the reason why you got shot. Plus, she got nothing to do, so why not..."

"We know the reason behind the attack, so please stop blaming Peo, Mom..." Yu quickly protests the claim. From where he stood now, he can see Poeny's eyes tear a bit.

"I see. Amazing!" Arisa flips her long hair, fingers tracing along the soft texture of the sofa that she sits on. "You must be incredible enough to make both of these stubborn asses adore you. Impressive!" her eyes suddenly get darken.

"But it's not enough to make me put trust in you. I check your background and I don't like to see how things go in the future," says Arisa.

"Mom!"

"Let's be straightforward, shall we? If you think you can leech onto my son, then you are wrong. I won't let that happen, not a chance. So, I hope you'll understand. You are here because my son convinced me how pitiful your life is. So, remember which ground you stand on. Don't ever cross the line!" Arisa's voice sounds soft but full of attitude.

Even before Yu can speak up, Peony stands up. She faces Arisa before looking at Yu.

"Don't worry, ma'am! I know who am I. I am grateful that Yu was willing to take me under his wing after what happened to us. But, I can guarantee you I'm here not for chasing money. I know I came from a poor immigrant family, but I have dignity. If you feel I'm causing trouble, I can leave the house-"

"No one is leaving!" Yu screams aloud. Everyone, even his mother shuts up. Grey signals every guard in the room to leave. They obey her.

"Mom, after so long... And you came just to straighten up my life? Is that it?" Yu stands between Arisa and Peony, facing his mother with a stern expression.

"You kinda forgot who I am, my son..."

"Is it me or you?" Yu inquires.

"I came because of the recent incident. I think you are way too vulnerable with Peony roaming freely inside your house. She's an easy target. And a nice pawn," Arisa casually sips her tea.

"I think her safety is not something that you should be worrying about, Mom. Consider that you never worry about us, not even me who you claimed as your son," answers Yu.

Arisa stares at Yu. The boy had grown up since the last time she saw him. Her only son with her previous marriage. Unknowingly, he slowly looks like her. Even possessed the same trait.

Stern and stubborn.

"Tell me the truth. Who sent you?"

"I came on my own. There is no need for others to persuade me," says Arisa.

"Doesn't sound like you at all,"

"You put suspicious on me?"

"Yes."

Short and simple answer.

Yu knew Arisa too well. Not only as a mother but as a human being. She never truly cares about him, nor is she concerned about his well-being.

"I think you shouldn't put a suspicion on your mom. I think she meant well..."

"Shut up, Peo... Stay away from this-"

"But-"

"You don't know her! She is not your mother, so shut the fuck up!"

Peony squirms between Red and Blue. Grey holds her hand slowly, stopping her subtly from interrupting the heated conversation between them.

Arisa scoffs as she reaches the tea cup elegantly. She sips the final remaining tea before fixing herself a bit.

"I came to inform you that Peony is no longer suspended from school," Arisa glares at Yu. Peony quickly turns her head towards Arisa, disbelief by the news.

"I thought she got more-"

"I met the principal. And we had some discussion. There is no way the future valedictorian will get a suspension for a long time, especially with the college entrance exam coming soon," says Arisa.

"That means-"

"Yes, you can go to school starting tomorrow. Be prepared because you'll have so much to catch up on,"

Arisa grabs her purse and gracefully roses up from the sofa. She glares softly at Yu who stays stoic at his ground.

"I hope we can fix the way we communicate, my son," she says, before taking a leave from the room. Red quickly ushers her out of the house. She might be ruthless, but the respect is still there.

Peony slumps on the sofa, still in disbelief at what she heard. That means, her future is back on track. She feels glad, but at the same time, she worries about things.

How's the reaction of people, and how's she gonna face the whole school after the incident?

Now, anxiety hits her hard.