Chapter 25
Chapter 25
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: Choke
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For some reason, leaving Ji-ah asleep in the corner of my room behind me, I...
"..."
Soon enough, I reached the kitchen and pondered the morning menu, just like always.
The deliberation didn't last long. I'd spotted the bag of sliced bread sitting next to the cupboard.
'Simple toast it is.'
Nothing hits the spot for breakfast quite like French toast dipped in egg.
Koreans always say it's rice that fuels you, but I hadn't made any last night.
"Oppa. Good morning."
"Yeah. Huh. You look a lot better today."
"Hehe."
Min-ah let out this sly little chuckle. It seemed somehow connected to Ji-ah sleeping in the corner of my room this morning... but I decided to let it slide for now.
Some things in life are better off unknown.
"Oh, right. Can I swing by your bar later?"
"Do whatever you want."
"Oh yeah, Ji-ah works there too, right? I wanna see her in a maid outfit."
...Does she think my bar's running some shady operation?
"Our uniform's just plain black."
"Tch."
"What's with the tch? Tch."
While Min-ah and I traded this utterly pointless banter, I caught sight of Ji-ah stumbling out of my room, rubbing her eyes.
"Hello..."
'What are those dark circles?'
Her face screamed she hadn't slept a wink.
She seemed to shoot Min-ah a resentful glare, but it had to be my imagination.
"Ji-ah, good morning! But where'd you go this morning? You weren't there when I woke up."
"That was because of unnie... Ah. No, it's nothing."
Ji-ah's face flushed a little as she answered.
At this point, I was dying to know what went down last night.
"Ji-ah. Toast okay with you?"
"Yes."
Sizzle sizzle. The French toast frying in the pan filled the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
With some bacon, it'd be a full-on European brunch. Kinda disappointing without it.
"Done. All set."
A little later, the three of us huddled around the breakfast table.
I plated the toast in front of each of us, and their eyes went a bit wide.
"I'll dig in."
"Bon appétit! Oppa."
...Moments like this make it feel like I'm raising kids.
"Dig in."
Min-ah and Ji-ah each grabbed a piece and started munching away.
They looked just like a pair of hamsters, and I nearly cracked a smile.
"Want more? Just say the word. I'll whip it up quick."
"Oh. Oppa, can I take Ji-ah downtown today?"
"Hm?"
She didn't really need my permission, but whatever.
"I saw this morning she has no clothes to wear. It's a shame for her to keep borrowing mine."
Fair point. Right now, Ji-ah was stuck recycling the clothes Min-ah had left at the house.
"You really don't have to..."
"What? Don't wanna go shopping with unnie?"
"N-no, that's not it."
...That aside, when did they get so buddy-buddy?
'Weren't they meeting for the first time yesterday?'
Anyone would mistake them for real sisters. Not that it's a bad thing. Actually, it's great.
"Alright, go have fun. I don't need to tag along, right?"
"Why? Got stuff to do?"
"Yeah. Got someone to call."
Min-ah eyed me suspiciously at that.
"Why're you looking at me like that?"
"No reason. Just surprising that oppa even has people to call."
Harsh.
"Alright, we're off."
"See you. Oh, Mister. Head straight to the bar after we're done?"
"Yeah."
After Ji-ah and Min-ah headed out...
'...She probably hasn't changed her number.'
I pulled up an old contact on my phone and dialed—one I hadn't called in ages.
Ring ring. Ring ring.
[Hello? Do-han?]
A voice I hadn't heard in quite a while came through the receiver.
The person I'd called was the youth counselor I'd met back at the orphanage.
She'd helped me a ton when I left and started settling into society.
"Hello, Teacher. Been a while since I called."
[Tell me about it. You used to check in once a year at least, but nothing lately. I was worried something happened.]
"Haha."
[So, what's up? Just checking in?]
"Well, it's about..."
I was calling to get advice on Ji-ah's situation.
Not even about punishing that scumbag who'd hurt her—just whatever psychological counseling or support she could get would be great.
[Hmm...]
The counselor went quiet after hearing Ji-ah's story.
Then she continued.
[She's nineteen, right? She could stay at a youth shelter. You're living together now?]
"Yes."
She hesitated a bit before going on.
[Look, I know you're not that kind of guy, but... people talk. Might be good to bring it up with her.]
"...Yeah."
She's still a student.
Crashing at some random adult guy's place could lead to misunderstandings about our relationship. Things could get messy.
I'm not the type to care much, but... better to give Ji-ah options.
'She hasn't said anything, but she might feel uncomfortable deep down.'
[We have programs for family violence victims at the welfare center too. Come by sometime. Be nice to see your face.]
"Sure."
We wrapped up with some quick catch-up.
"...Phew."
I called my old police senior and the social worker too, but it was much the same.
Even if I wanted to punish the creep who'd hurt Ji-ah, too much time had passed—hard to prove, and no heavy sentence anyway...
"...Frustrating."
As I lay on the sofa lost in thought...
Ding.
My phone alarm went off.
It was a text from Min-ah, who'd just left with Ji-ah.
[How's Ji-ah? Pretty, right?]
Attached was a photo of Ji-ah in what looked like a newly bought outfit.
[Reply plz]
A sleeveless white blouse that highlighted her slender shoulders... and a black cotton skirt that contrasted perfectly.
The classic black-and-white combo, sometimes called the Monami look—simple, but it had its charm.
They don't call a pretty face the finishing touch to fashion for nothing.
"..."
Honestly, just the photo alone, she could've passed for a fashion model on some online mall.
My ancient feature phone's resolution was the only letdown.
[Ji-ah looks bummed. Reply quick.]
Ding ding ding.
Unable to wait, Min-ah bombarded me with pics from every angle.
I caved to the pressure and sent my honest take.
[Pretty.]
The phone finally went quiet, satisfied.
"Man. What a letdown."
Feeling oddly empty, I fiddled with my phone before deciding on a nap and closing my eyes.
"He says you're pretty, Ji-ah."
Min-ah had taken Ji-ah to a women's clothing store downtown.
She showed Ji-ah the message from Do-han right away.
"...W-whatever. Doesn't matter."
Ji-ah grumbled curtly, but she couldn't hide the twitch at the corner of her mouth.
Seeing that, Min-ah smiled warmly and teased the girl still pretending to be nonchalant.
"Really? You were fidgeting like crazy waiting for his reply, though?"
"N-no, I wasn't!"
'So cute.'
How is she this adorable?
Honestly, if Do-han said he'd brought her home because she's cute, Min-ah would've bought it.
Not that she thought he had, but still. Ji-ah was that cute.
"How about this one, Ji-ah?"
Min-ah kept picking out clothes that'd suit her.
"Ah..."
Ji-ah peeked at the price tags and shrank back a little, whispering.
"Y-yeah, it's pretty... but the price..."
She usually only bought a piece or two on sale, from recycle shops or season-end clearances.
To her, these were gorgeous, but eye-wateringly expensive.
Min-ah brushed off her worries with a bright smile.
"It's fine. Excuse me, we'll take these."
She paid without batting an eye.
Ji-ah, at a total loss, could only fidget in place.
'Min-ah unnie's a college student, right...? How can I accept these pricey clothes...'
Even after leaving the store, bag in hand, Ji-ah kept squirming.
Min-ah watched her fondly, then patted her head.
"Relax. Unnie buying clothes for her little sis? Not a penny wasted."
"..."
"Where to next? It's hot out. Wanna hit a café?"
Ji-ah's eyes stung a bit at that. She nodded quietly.
"Welcome!"
Soon, they slipped into a nearby café.
"... ..."
The room went dead silent the moment they entered.
Then the patrons started whispering, careful not to be overheard.
"Whoa, check those two out."
"Drama shoot nearby or something?"
Ignoring the stares, Ji-ah and Min-ah ordered and took their seats.
"Hehe."
Ji-ah wondered what had Min-ah grinning so happily at her.
'...Feels like a dream.'
Come to think of it, ever since meeting Do-han, her days had been full of firsts.
First time at a café. First time wearing such pretty clothes.
First time feeling this happy.
"..."
One first after another—it felt like she was floating on clouds.
"Hey, Ji-ah."
As they waited for their drinks, Min-ah spoke up with a meaningful smile.
"Yes?"
Ji-ah was still basking in the glow.
"So, what do you think of our oppa?"
*Cough.*