"And who is she?"

"Sarah Johnson…" Brandon hesitated, seemingly trying to figure out how to introduce me.

Just as I was about to explain, someone interrupted the awkward moment.

That person seemed to be a friend of Brandon's mom Abby, and they exchanged pleasantries for a bit.

Then she suddenly said, "You're so lucky! Your son and daughter-in-law are both so good-looking."

Abby was stunned. "Daughter-in-law?"

"Yeah! I saw them together at the hotel before. They were in the same room, aren't they a couple?!"

Abby looked over with a smile, "Oh, I didn't know that!"

I stood there stiffly, hesitating over whether to tell the truth.

But no matter how I explained, I'd probably be seen as a weirdo.

It would be a total embarrassment, and I might even get reported for violating health regulations or something.

I silently repeated "honesty and law-abiding," ready to bite the bullet and reveal the truth.

But to my surprise, Brandon took my hand. "I didn't say anything because I was afraid to feel pressured to get married."

"We've only been dating for two months," he added.

WHAT!!! Can someone please tell me what's happening right now? I thought.

I maintained an awkward yet polite smile, scratching Brandon's palm lightly.

He lowered his head to look at me.

I tried to convey my confusion through my eyes: "What's going on, dude?"

I couldn't tell if he understood, but his gaze was very firm.

"You came back together?"

"Yes, she has just graduated," Brandon responded calmly.

We had chatted a bit and exchanged some basic information during our quarantine.

Abby didn't suspect a thing. "I see."

"Mom, I'll take her shopping for a while and come back later."

Abby smiled, her eyes squinting with delight. "Alright, go on, go on."

As Brandon pulled me away, he let go of my hand once we were out of sight of them.

I glanced at my empty hand, feeling a strange sense of loss.

"I'm sorry." He said.

He frowned, looking a bit troubled.

I felt troubled too.

"So, how should I understand the current situation?"

Brandon pressed his attractive lips into a thin line, pausing for a moment.

Then he asked, with uncertainty in his voice, "Can you be my girlfriend?"