Chapter 39: Barbecue (2)
Chapter 39: Barbecue (2)
“Are you sure you’re okay? I could drink it for you…”
“No way. If Yuri acts cute, you’ll just give it right back to her.”
“Then give it to me.”
“Shut it, you lightweight.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a bit too blunt with me?”
“So?”
“You’re really pushing my buttons.”
Despite her words, Noona’s concern was rational. I was a total lightweight, and Kang Yu-min was the same.
We inherited that trait from our father.
I used to wonder how a businessman could be such a poor drinker.
Well, whatever. I’m sure he managed somehow. There’s no point in analyzing the tolerance of someone who’s already gone, anyway.
Only one thing was for certain.
Compared to Noona, both Kang Yu-min and I were complete amateurs.
I could have handed it over to Noona, but I didn't, keeping a close eye on Yuri.
Yuri was secretly sensitive about being the only minor among the siblings.
If I had given it to Noona, Yuri probably would have used her charms to get it back. As if confirming my suspicion, Yuri met my eyes and then quickly looked away.
I knew it. I let out a sigh and held out a cola to Yuri.
“Yuri, you have the cola.”
“If it’s not Zero, I don’t really…”
“You’re willing to drink alcohol, but you can’t handle a non-Zero soda?”
“Ugh. You got me.”
“Seriously, what are you even saying?”
I let out a chuckle and forced the cola into Yuri’s hand. It was a bit of a formality, but there was something I needed to do.
“Alright, then… let’s keep getting along as a family. I hope everyone stays healthy this year… no, next year too. And I hope Noona’s business goes well…”
“Stop talking like a boomer.”
“And you, try installing some manners.”
“That’s my line. You keep forgetting, but I’m the older one here, okay?”
“Sure, Yu-min.”
“…Hmph.”
Kang Yu-min turned her head away, pretending to be annoyed when I called her by name, but she couldn't hide the hint of joy in her expression.
Well, I’d be an idiot not to notice after having held her once. I grinned and held out my opened beer.
“Let’s toast.”
“Jin-i, you’ve really aged…”
“The First Sergeant really liked me, you know.”
I still remembered it clearly. The memories of being unable to refuse the makgeolli he poured, making toasts, listening to his thick accent, clinking glasses, and knocking them back in one go.
Honestly, it wasn't bad. If anything, perhaps because I hadn't received proper affection from my father, it felt more familiar.
He even asked if I wanted to reenlist as a career soldier, but I had to turn that down because, well, that was a bit much.
Regardless, my family wasn't the type to refuse a toast. The sound of Yuri’s cola bottle clinking against the three beer bottles was incredibly satisfying.
“Alright, let’s eat. Let’s see…”
The taste of the meat paired with the beer was something else.
It was truly special. I’m not gifted enough with words to describe it elegantly, but…
The juices, the aroma—it all swirled around my mouth, making me feel wonderful.
The savory umami, the subtle saltiness from the seasoning, and the heavy, addictive scent that could only be described as 'smoky.'
The beer was the perfect companion to wash down the grease lingering in my throat.
I took a long swig of the beer I’d confiscated from Yuri and let out a sound without even realizing it.
“Kaaah…”
“You’ve turned into a total old man.”
“Look who’s talking.”
“Fine, I’ll be the old lady, so you be the old man.”
Kang Yu-min chuckled as she shoveled down a piece of meat with three slices of kimchi. I shot her a smirk.
I’d never done a barbecue before, but it wasn't bad. In fact, it was quite enjoyable.
“Jin-ah, say ‘ah~’”
“No, I can do it myself…”
“Noona’s arm is getting tired.”
“Alright, alright. Honestly.”
I ate the meat Noona offered and took another gulp of beer.
“Oppa, this is delicious too.”
“I told you, I can eat it myself. You don’t have to copy Noona…”
“Do you hate it when I give it to you…?”
“No, if you give it to me, I have to eat it. I overstepped.”
I accepted the sausage Yuri had sliced for me and drank more beer.
“Are you okay? Isn't your tolerance about the same as mine?”
“I’m perfectly fine. What are you talking about?”
My voice was steady and my tongue wasn't tripping. I laughed at the absurdity of the question, but Kang Yu-min was looking at me with worried eyes.
“No, you don’t look fine…?”
“Whatever. Here, just give me a toast.”
“Oh, uh… okay. Cheers…”
I toasted with Kang Yu-min and drank more beer. As we drank, laughed, and chatted, I’d occasionally catch Yuri trying to sneak a beer she’d scavenged from nearby.
“Confiscated. Hand it over.”
“Aw, so close…”
Yuri smiled sheepishly and obediently handed the beer to me. She was a good kid. Usually, if someone went to that much trouble to get something, they’d put up a fight to keep it.
I spoke up so Yuri wouldn't feel too disappointed.
“Your birthday is coming up soon anyway. I’ll let you drink then.”
“Really?”
“Huh? Yeah, really. Why would I lie…?”
“You’ll drink with me, right, Oppa?”
“Uh, what?”
Doesn't she know I’m a lightweight? Despite the thought, I readily agreed to my sister’s suggestion.
Well, if my cute little sister is going to drink, her big brother can’t let her drink alone. She’ll need someone to teach her how to drink properly, anyway.
“Of course. I have to.”
“That’s a relief.”
It was a strange thing to say, but I just laughed. I felt proud, impressed, and moved by how much my sister had grown.
The situation was also strangely funny. It was as if Yuri was bringing me offerings of alcohol, and I was just mindlessly drinking whatever she gave me.
I felt like I was laughing more easily than usual, but whatever.
I felt like a dragon from a common fantasy story—the kind that gets hammered and passes out only to be slain. I chuckled at the thought, and Yuri looked at me with a bit of concern.
The family barbecue was just that much fun. I even thought about buying a grill and having barbecues on the rooftop once we got back.
I could do it in the game, but regardless, it was still just a game.
The rooftop was just a place where Kang Yu-min’s exercise equipment rolled around when she couldn't go to the gym, so I might as well put it to use.
I was seriously considering how to clear space for a rooftop barbecue as I kept chugging beer.
I must have had about three bottles by the time I lost consciousness.
Of course, 'lost consciousness' was a bit of a polite way to put it.
More accurately, I drank three bottles, couldn't even hold myself up, and made a fool of myself by clinging to Noona and Kang Yu-min as they dragged me back to the room and dumped me there.
Only then did I realize I had pushed myself way too far.
My consciousness drifted. I couldn't tell if the sensations I was feeling were from a dream or reality.
Perhaps the boundary had blurred because of the Family-Friendly Game, but elements I would normally distinguish with surgical precision weren't coming into focus.
A cozy bed, soft blankets.
The sea breeze drifting into the room with a private terrace on the second floor of the VIP mansion.
And the scent and sound of the ocean. The shuaaa, shuaaaa of the waves washing over the shore.
All of it made my consciousness fade into a blur. It felt as if the strength was draining out of my entire body.
No matter how drunk I was, I had no choice but to lie there defenseless.
In that state, I smiled faintly. Even if things hadn't turned out exactly as I’d hoped, everyone was happy, and I was happy too.
I was glad we came on this cruise trip.
The new experience broadened my horizons, and it felt like my thoughts were diversifying along with my expanded perspective.
Whether that was actually true or just a feeling, I didn't know yet.
I repeatedly drifted in and out of sleep, wishing it were true.
Until someone suddenly entered the room.
Click. The light sound of the doorknob turning echoed. The door was well-made with perfectly oiled hinges, so there was almost no sound as it opened.
But the outside air came in. The direction of the wind changed. I felt the flickering breeze brush against my skin through my faint senses.
Someone had entered the room. But I wasn't afraid. It was obvious who it was.
“Kang Yu-min… why are you here…?”
The faint presence hesitated for a moment. She seemed surprised that I’d noticed. Honestly, what a scaredy-cat.
I smiled. I smiled and asked.
“…You want to do it?”
No answer came. I figured she was still being shy. Conveniently, perhaps because of the alcohol, I was in the mood for it too.
Eventually, she reached out and pulled down my pants. The sudden rush of the sea breeze felt chilly and strange.
But more than that, I felt the blood rushing. I wondered if this was what it was like to do it while wasted.
It didn't feel bad. Maybe that’s why I opened my mouth without thinking.
Even though I had a feeling I shouldn't say it.
“I… I did it a lot with Noona, so there won't be much left…”
The moment the words left my mouth, I thought, Oh crap, but then I figured, Whatever. Yeah, let’s just be honest.
She’d find out eventually anyway.
At the time, I didn't realize that was just a stupid thought born of intoxication, nor did I realize that the presence hovering outside my blurred consciousness wouldn't welcome that news.
Instead, I just sat there with a goofy grin.
“Please go easy on me…”
To be honest, I barely felt anything. I was already sleepy, and I fell asleep before the act even really began.
But that didn't mean I felt absolutely nothing.
What was certain was that it felt good. Even though I’d already been squeezed dry by Noona.
It felt unusually good. I didn't know why.
That’s why in the morning, when Kang Yu-min came in while I was showering as usual, I spoke to her.
I told her she should have just said so if she wanted to. And that last night felt great.
But Kang Yu-min’s reaction was completely different from what I expected.
“Me, in the middle of the night…? Really?”
My face froze instantly.