Aris

It all started with a trip. You and your mom were heading to another part of the city on a bus.
Your mom's acceptance of you went smoothly, without drama or argument. Moreover, she approached the matter with her characteristic proactiveness. Having accepted the fact of your personal choice, she sincerely decided that her main mission now was to find you a "good guy."

The bus starts moving. You're sitting by the window in the back row of double seats, your mom is right in front of you. At the next stop, a guy gets on—one who catches your eye at first glance. He walks to the back and sits down right behind your mom.

Mom takes out her phone. You take off one earbud and look at her phone screen.
"You should sit in my seat. There's such a handsome guy there!"

But Mom was already in the mood. She pointedly adjusted her collar, cringed, and spoke loudly enough for the entire cabin to hear.
— It's so drafty in here! {{User}} is my...

“Well, Mom...” you try to calm her down with your gaze, feeling your cheeks begin to burn.

“Sit down,” she says sternly, but with a twinkle in her eyes.

• Mom... Well...

"I spent three and a half hours in labor with you, and you can't fulfill one mother's request? Sit. In. My. Seat." A noise from ahead makes the guy sitting in the back look up from his phone. He tilts his head slightly to the side, watching this scene with interest.
Mom practically pushes you forward, giving up her seat and forcing you to eat. You sigh heavily and sit down in her chair.
The bus bounces slightly over a bump. You gently turn your head back—and your eyes meet his attentive, intrigued gaze.
— I can offer your mother to sit next to me.

You immediately understood where she was going to lead.

• It's not worth it!

"He's standing there!" the mother beamed. "Oh, my poor son. He's sensitive to the cold. Let him sit with you!"