My Best Friend's Little Sister is Min Deulle (1)
At 8 a.m., the day begins at the Dream Catcher Cafe. The whir of the coffee grinder fills the space, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts gently through the air. People hurry past outside the window, but the cafe remains quiet.
"She should be here any minute now."
I glance toward the entrance while prepping the espresso machine. There's one customer who stamps her presence here every morning unless something unusual comes up. My childhood friend—and the object of my long-standing crush. Right on cue, she pushes open the door.
"Mong! I'm here!"
She calls me by my shortened name, waving with a bright smile. Her ponytail and round glasses can't hide her stunning beauty, and I let out a quiet sigh of admiration.
Her white crop top and black cardigan accentuate her ample breasts and slim waist. Slim jeans below hug her legs, highlighting their graceful lines.
She's dressed a bit provocatively today. Got a date or something...?
I take a deep breath, force a smile, and greet her.
Min Ari has been popular since middle school. She'd dated several guys back in school, and I knew the full lineup of her boyfriends.
But this is her first relationship since adulthood... or has she already started one...?
Then, trailing behind Ari, another figure catches my eye. A woman with flashy blonde hair and a sullen expression. Dressed in a baggy gray hoodie and sweatpants, she looks the picture of comfort.
"A friend?"
"What? You don't remember? Take a good look. It's Ddeulle. Min Deulle."
"Min Deulle? Oh, the little sister!"
A flash of old memory hits me. Her dyed hair and more mature look had thrown me off.
Ari has one older sister and one younger: Min Jangmi above, Min Deulle below.
"Wow, you've grown up so much. I didn't recognize you."
"Yeah, Ddeulle's twenty now."
"Already? So you're in college?"
Ari gives an awkward smile at my question. Deulle keeps her lips pursed in irritation.
"Actually, she's retaking her exams."
"Oof... that must suck."
That's when I notice the bag she's carrying.
"Here to study, then?"
"Yep. She just lounges around and sleeps at home. I figured I'd keep an eye on her while writing my novel. Plus, you were always great at studying. Maybe tutor her a bit when it's slow?"
I was good at school back in the day—top national rankings in certain subjects. But that's ancient history. Now in my mid-twenties, I'm just your average cafe owner.
"It's been years. I don't even remember anymore. Wouldn't an academy be better?"
"She hates academies."
"..."
Deulle starts scanning the cafe interior with a sulky expression, as if our conversation bores her completely.
"They say class is forever, right? Can't you help just a little? I'll boost your sales."
Ari grabs my hand and leans forward. Her breasts press together inside the crop top. I desperately keep my eyes up, locked on her face.
That... was close.
She's probably wearing it to show off, but I don't want to seem too aware. That way, I can keep my spot as her best friend forever.
"Maybe when there are no customers..."
"Thank you! I'm so glad I asked. You're the best, Uju-mong!"
A snicker escapes from somewhere. No surprise—it's Deulle.
"How's a person's name Uju-mong? Not even Universe-Scale Doramang or something."
Who's she calling weird? Looks like this kid grew up spoiled rotten.
...
We settle into the cafe's cozy corner spot—tucked away for privacy, screened by plants so no one can easily peek in. It's usually where Ari sets up her laptop to write.
"This... your basics are seriously lacking, Ddeulle. You've got so many holes."
"Oppa, that's sexual harassment."
"Wh-what?"
Her sudden jab leaves me speechless. I definitely didn't mean it that way—just that she doesn't know stuff from middle school.
"Min Deulle! Is that how you talk to someone tutoring you?"
"Who asked you to?"
"If you don't study properly, no more allowance."
"Don't need it. I'll earn my own."
"What money's a retaker gonna earn? Study!"
"..."
The sisters glare at each other, eyes wide. Luckily, the "holes" comment didn't escalate into a real misunderstanding.
"No fighting... Looks like we have to build from the basics step by step. There are crash courses online these days that cover foundations fast. Maybe buy one of those?"
"Okay, let's do that. I'll pay. Let's find a good one."
"No, stop spending money. I'll handle it. Give me the cash for the course instead."
"Nope. You'd blow it all at coin karaoke. Or that Inbang place, blowing it on donations."
"You're impossible. Forget it. I'm done."
Deulle slams down her pen and crosses her arms. Her baggy gray hoodie traps her breasts, making them look impressively full.
Genetics at work... they're both unreal.
I blink quickly and change the subject.
"Okay, calm down... Let's look for courses first. You've got the laptop right here—perfect."
"Uh... maybe use my phone instead?"
Ari panics, looking flustered.
"What? Bigger screen's obviously better... Oh, because of your novel? Spill it already. How long you gonna hide?"
Ari's a novelist—a web novelist. But her platform and titles are top secret. I've asked plenty, but she always dodges with teasing.
"Just wait a sec."
Ari frantically clicks the mouse.
"Totally hiding porn. Deleting history."
"Wh-what baseless nonsense! I don't watch that stuff!"
"Then just show the laptop. Let me check your search and recent sites."
"Min Deulle, hands off."
Her older sister grips the hand her little sister placed on the laptop. Watching them, my mind wanders.
Yeah, Ari's human too... she probably masturbates. So she'd visit naughty sites...
My imagination spins. Maybe she's done it here a few times? She's in tight jeans today, but usually wears looser stuff. This spot's hidden from outside. No CCTV. If she wanted, she could sneakily watch videos or comics while touching herself.
No... she's got a boyfriend. Why would she...?
I shake my head and speak up.
"It's fine. Happens. Take your time deleting. I'll wait."
"Wh-what! Hey! No!"
"Yeah, I know. You're not. I get it. So relax."
Ari's face flushes red—a rare panicked look.
"Whoa, it's real. Face is gonna explode. Guess it's true what they say: the prim ones are the biggest pervs."
"Sh-shut up! One more word from either of you, and I'll splash coffee in your faces!"
"Hard to tell who's the older sister here."
Deulle adds one more jab, but Ari just keeps clicking furiously.
...
After a long tussle, we pick lectures and textbooks suited to Deulle's level. The lectures are available immediately, but textbooks arrive tomorrow, so we decide to memorize English vocab for now. Things wrap up naturally.
Ding-a-ling—
The door opens, and a familiar face enters. Two-block haircut, androgynous features. White dress shirt and black slacks try for masculine appeal, but his short stature and slim build make you wonder, is he a girl?
"Sis, boyfriend's here."
Min Ari's boyfriend, Park Noah. He rounds the corner toward us.
"Time flew. Actually, we've got plans today."
Ari smiles awkwardly. Plans—probably a date.
"Hello. Long time no see."
Noah greets me stiffly. I nod back lightly, and he turns to Deulle.
"Ddeulle, you too. Retaking, huh?"
"Yeah, whatever."
Deulle mumbles from her hoodie pocket. Ari, packing up, snaps at her.
"What's with that attitude toward your sister's boyfriend?"
"Doesn't it get tiring acting like that all day? Quit nagging."
"You make people tired."
"Whatever. Go on your date."
"To your sister...!"
As tension rises again, Noah steps in.
"It's not a date. Church. Borrowing your sister for a bit."
Borrowing. The word grates. Not that I can do anything about it, but his soft tone and phrasing rub me wrong. Like a voice men fake to sound appealing.
"No need to return her."
"Talking like she's an object. Even as a joke, it's weird."
I stand casually, picking up Ari's half-finished drink. Her boyfriend's expression sours a bit.
"I'll make this to-go."
"Oh? Thanks. Oh, keep an eye on our little sis? Call me if she bolts. Got it?"
"Might not be instant. Phone's in for repair."
"Why? Broken?"
I follow Ari toward the door.
"Got moisture inside. Freaked out during charging."
"Not from using it too long? You haven't changed it in years. Time for a new one."
"Yeah, soon."
I suppress a rising smile. Just casual talk, but she remembers the little things. Nice.
"You even know that? You're close."
"Well, longtime friends."
Noah mutters flatly, arms crossed. If I were bolder, I'd tease, jealous? But no—I don't want to make Ari uncomfortable.
"Noah, anything for you?"
"No, thanks. Let's go, Ari."
"Huh? Why? We're not done."
Noah grabs Ari's wrist—coffee in hand—and heads out. Watching, I feel a petty thrill of victory.
Whatever. Doesn't change that he's her boyfriend...
Should I have been more aggressive? Looking back, there were chances to become more than friends. When her dad passed and she was grieving... or when she broke up and drank at my place...
Pointless now.
Past can't change. Dwelling wastes time and emotion.
"Hey, oppa."
"Whoa!"
Deulle pops up where Ari was.
"Quit sneaking up like that."
"Oppa, you like our sis, huh."
"..."
Deulle grins.
"Spot on. What'll she say if she finds out?"