I CAN'T CHOOSE

“I have to go, Mama. I have to leave,” he said firmly. His mother shook her head, eyes already glistening. Home felt safe to her, familiar and warm. She could not understand why he wanted to abandon everything they had built together for a distant land filled with unknown dangers and strange customs. “Why must you go over there?” she asked, voice, trembling. “Everything changes in that country. You understand nothing of their ways.” Minjun took a deep breath and answered with the honesty of a young man who had already decided his future. He was an intelligent student who needed more than South Korea could currently offer him. He knew this conversation would hurt her, yet he could not stay silent any longer. Dreams larger than their neighborhood pulled at him every night, and the time had finally come to speak the truth out loud. “If you want me to make you proud, if you want to see me successful, then you must let me go. Don’t you want to raise your head high when people speak of your son? I cannot stay here, Mama. You know that in your heart.” His mother wiped her face with the sleeve of her blouse and whispered that she understood, yet the words tasted bitter on her tongue. “You are my only child, Minjun. How can I simply allow you to fly so far away?” He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her. Uncle Ben would take care of him in America. Uncle Ben had an American wife and two daughters. Everything would be fine. She did not have to worry so much. Minjun promised he would return one day with a brand-new car and hand her the keys. The thought made her smile through the tears she tried to hide. He was leaving tomorrow on an evening flight. First he needed to see his girlfriend and say a proper goodbye. He kissed his mother’s forehead and walked out of the house. Outside waited the small scooter his late father, a post-office mailer, had left behind. Minjun refused to sell it. The machine still carried the faint scent of his father’s presence and had carried him to school for years. He climbed on, kicked the engine to life, and rode toward the next street where Seo - yeon lived. When he knocked, her soft voice asked who was there. The moment she heard his name she flung the door open and pulled him into a tight hug, her body pressing warmly against his. He smiled down at her and told her how much he had missed her. They walked inside together and she poured him a glass of wine. They sat close on the edge of the bed, talking and laughing until the conversation turned heavy. Seo - Yeon asked if he was truly going to leave her behind. Minjun explained his plan carefully. He would study hard, earn money, return, pay her bride price, and build a good life with her and his mother. She did not believe him. Anger flashed across her face as she accused him of planning to sleep with every crazy lady he met in America. Minjun cupped her cheeks and swore that nothing could separate them. He loved her too much. Study was the only reason he was going. She turned her back on him anyway, hurt and uncertain. He refused to let the distance grow. Standing behind her, he slid his hands around her waist and gently cupped her breasts, thumbs brushing over her n*****s until a soft moan escaped her lips. He kissed the side of her neck and whispered for her to come to him. Slowly he guided her down onto the bed. Their mouths met in a long, hungry French kiss while hands worked at buttons and zippers. Seo yeon succeeded first. She freed his c**k, sank to her knees, and took him deep into her warm mouth. Minjun rested both hands on her head and guided her rhythm, groaning as she sucked him with practiced care and wet enthusiasm. After several intense minutes she rose, kissed him with the taste of his own arousal still on her tongue, and pushed him onto his back. She straddled his hips, guided his thick c**k to her entrance, and sank down slowly until he filled her completely. Then she began to ride him in a steady, rolling cowgirl rhythm. Her moans grew louder with every bounce. Minjun gripped her hips and thrust upward to meet her. In the middle of their passion she forced him to look into her eyes and asked again if he promised never to leave her heart. He answered with a firm “I won’t” while continuing to drive into her welcoming heat. Without warning he flipped their positions, turning her onto her hands and knees. He slid two fingers into her soaked p***y first, curling them until she cried out and pushed back against his hand. When she was dripping and trembling he replaced his fingers with his c**k, pushing in slowly from behind until he was buried to the hilt. The room filled with the wet sounds of their bodies and Seo yeon desperate moans. She called his name over and over—“Minjun… oh God, Minjun, right there”—as he pounded her in a deep, steady doggy-style rhythm. Round after round they took from each other until both were slick with sweat and completely spent. They collapsed side by side, breathing hard. Minjun eventually sat up and began gathering his clothes. Can't you spend the night?? I have to go, my flight is just the next evening, he said as he kissed her softly and stepped out. She stood in the doorway and watched him ride away on the little scooter until he disappeared down the dusty road. When Minjun arrived back home his mother met him with an envelope in her hand. A printed email had arrived for him while he was gone. She thought he should open it right away. Minjun took the envelope, tore it open, and read the first lines. His face was drained of color. His fingers tightened until the paper crumpled. “No… no, it is not possible. It cannot be,” he whispered. His mother stepped closer, worrying, flooding her voice as she asked what was wrong and begged her son to speak.