HER

THE BOMB SHELL

TED’S POV

I stood at the edge of the campus, my eyes scanning the crowd until I caught sight of Mun. She was seconds from vanishing into the dean’s office when I broke into a sprint.

“Mun!” I called out, loud enough to turn heads.

She paused, of course she did. I caught up and stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Her expression was all fire and fury, like she could stab a dagger through my chest.

“What do you want, Ted?” she snapped.

I exhaled hard, trying to gather the right words. “We need to talk.”

Her eyes narrowed, sharp and unflinching. “You mean about how you disappeared from me for days? Save it, Ted. I’m not in the mood.”

My hands slid into my pockets, a habit I did whenever I was nervous. “I’m leaving the country in two days,” I started. I studied her reaction and saw the flicker of surprise on her face, then I added, “I have to go oversee my mom’s company in South Africa. I’ll be gone for six months at most.”

“What?!” Mun’s voice shot up, her shock written all over her face.

I nodded, taking another deep breath. “I want you to come with me.”

She blinked. Then, she laughed, giving a short, bitter sound. “Are you insane? Why would I do that?”

I stepped closer, urgency creeping into my voice. “You could be the company’s official designer. It’s a huge opportunity, Mun. My mom actually suggested it. You know she loves your work.”

Her expression turned to ice. “I don’t need a handout, Ted. I’d rather build my own studio than work with you.”

That hit hard. Like a punch straight to the chest. “Come on, Mun… you don’t mean that,” I said, my voice softer now. “So should I just go back and tell my mom you said no?”

She hesitated. The fire in her eyes dimmed, just a little. “I didn’t say that.”

“So what are you saying?”

“I’ll come to see her tomorrow,” she said flatly. “After my photo shoot sessions. And don’t you even dare speak for me.”

She stared me down like a challenge. I raised my hands in surrender. “Alright. Just… make the right call.”

I turned and walked away, leaving her standing there, still burning with anger.

***

Later that day, I strolled into the kitchen, grabbed a chilled drink, and watched from the doorway as Mun and my mom sat chatting in the living room.

Bingo. I knew Mun had a soft spot for my mom. If anyone could nudge her, it was her.

“How’s school treating you, dear?” my mom asked sweetly.

Mun smirked. “School’s been school. Nothing too crazy. It’s fair.”

“And photography? Are you still shaking things up?”

That lit Mun up. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling as she launched into details about her newest project, a photo documentary for Rextol.

My mom’s ears perked. “Rextol? That’s huge! You got the contract?”

“Yep,” Mun said proudly. “Right in the middle of it.”

My mom practically glowed. “You’re amazing, Mun! No wonder I need to lock you in before someone else does. Speaking of which…” She glanced at me, then back at Mun with a sly grin. “Have you decided to work with my son?”

Mun froze for half a second. Her voice was careful. “I… I really liked the idea…”

My curiosity piqued. “Then what’s holding you back?” she asked,

But before Mun could answer, my mom leaned in like she was about to drop national news.

“I’ve actually been wanting to talk to you both…” she said, pausing dramatically.

Then...boom!.

“What do you think about marrying Ted?”

Her words hung midair.

Both Mun and I went dead in silence.

Mun first choked on her coffee and sputtered.

“What?!” we both yelled, totally in sync after the words sank in.