73. Queen? Yes? What Did You Say?
I admit it. I suck at dressing myself. My fashion sense has completely necrotized and died.
—Might as well cover your junk with a necktie and call it a day wearing that shit.
—It's sad that your brain thinks you look cool in that, bro.
—Gold Lion, rocking that outfit again today. Just kill yourself already!
The broadcast chat was flooding with Gordon Ramsay-level roasts. I'd thought they were just playful jabs or jealousy until now, but suddenly serious, no-holds-barred demands to quit started pouring in—formal script font and all. The furious backlash felt like it could burst out any second, rip my clothes off, and chase me down the street.
I didn't want to believe it, but looking back coldly, I had zero memories of buying clothes and getting compliments. Even sweet Sa-rang, when I'd asked her how I looked, had dodged with, "Oppa... you're such a warm-hearted guy." That distant gaze that never quite met mine had stung deep.
But so what if I dress like crap? Hitting rock bottom means the only way is up. No time to study fashion now anyway, so why not leave the coordinating to the top expert in the field?
"The tones don't match."
A sharp voice cuts right through. "Huh? Looks fine to me?"
"Total fail. Your knit and coat are both khaki—it's drab as hell. Take it off in the fitting room. We need brighter tones."
"Got it... But you don't have to go so hard—"
"And swap those sneakers for loafers. If I see you in those filthy things again, I'll burn every pair."
"......Loafers?"
"Fine. I'll grab them. Strip to your underwear and wait."
She huffs dramatically and storms back into the racks, rummaging like a woman possessed. Her shoulders are stiffer than mine, the one actually wearing the damn clothes.
Another trip to the department store. With Seon-hwa this time. Figured a beauty streaming pro like her would know her way around this stuff. I poked her on KakaoTalk, and she dragged me straight to the sixth floor—men's outdoor section.
Now, two hours in, we're stuck in an endless cycle of trying on and stripping. We've already got plenty bought, but she's filling the cart with seven full sets like she's revamping my entire wardrobe.
"Hm-hmm~♪"
Seon-hwa hums cheerfully, picking out my outfits. I'm the client, but she's the one buzzing like a kid in a candy store. She's scrutinizing more carefully than if it were her own clothes.
Grateful for the enthusiasm... but my skin's raw from all the changing. This must be how a dress-up doll feels.
Tough to rain on her parade, but I have to pump the brakes. "Hey, Seon-hwa..."
"Yeah?"
"Think we've got enough now? You can stop picking."
"......"
Her humming cuts off like a snapped wire. Boyfriend... talking back? Daring to voice an opinion? The queen shoots me a icy glare.
"No no, not that I hate them—just bought too much at once..."
I soften the mood as best I can. Seriously, we had enough clothes. I drove today, but the cart's overflowing—hands won't cut it. I'll end up papered in shopping bags like a porcupine.
Seon-hwa eyes the pile, concedes it's a lot, and softens her glare. She sighs like she's restraining herself. "Fine. One more."
"One more...?"
"Just one."
"Uh, sure! Let's look at one more!"
"Wait by the fitting room. I'll grab it quick."
"Okay..."
I clasp my hands politely and wait like a good boy.
"Here, try it on and come out."
The "last one" is a suit—casual, light fabric. No tie, black shirt, light brown overcoat. It exposes ankles and wrists just right, sleek and breathable. Brand quality hugs my frame perfectly.
"How's it look?"
I pull back the curtain, and Seon-hwa turns. Her amethyst eyes scan me top to bottom, then linger on my lines. She zones out, cheeks flushing pink.
"Wh-what... It's decent. See? You clean up pretty nice..."
"Yeah. Guess you gotta learn from the pros when you don't know shit."
"Yeah...... Sure."
"Why you keep dodging my eyes?"
"Wh-who's dodging?!"
Super suspicious. She whips her chin 90 degrees away. Trying to hide her fluster just gives it away.
Self-praise, but constant workouts have turned me into a decent clothes horse. Mi-na loved it, and it seems to work on Seon-hwa too. Can't blame her for warming up.
"Like how it looks on me?"
Sensing a touch opportunity, I grin and step close, wrapping an arm around her slim waist in that gold cheongsam-style dress. She paws at my chest like a cat annoyed by its owner—but zero force behind it.
"......Don't get cocky. It's just better than your ragtag mess."
"Still, scoring points with you makes it worth it. Guess I'll dress like this from now on."
"H-hey... Back off. People are around..."
"We're a couple. Let 'em stare."
"......Here...? Ugh, seriously...♥"
I lean in for a kiss, mood building. She hunches but parts her soft lips easily.
"Mmm... smack...♥ mmph♥"
A light, lingering kiss—Seon-hwa style. I hold her waist and grip her slender wrist. The formal fit makes it feel like a dance scene.
Public or not, if I keep it tame, the queen yields gracefully. Build the vibe, melt her frosty heart with sweet words, and touches are greenlit.
We part, and she dabs her lips discreetly, muttering irritably. "Always horny at the worst times..."
"Then push me away if you hate it."
"......Hmph."
She averts her eyes tsundere-style. Won't admit she enjoyed it with that proud mouth.
Anyway, soft couple moments done, we head to checkout.
"Yes... Total comes to 4,207,500 won."
......Yeah, way too much. Premium firepower that'd shred any freebie perks.
Not just expensive—the sheer volume justifies it. Piled up, it'd bury me.
Seon-hwa glances sheepishly. "Um... want me to cover it? No interest or anything tacky."
Thinks she went overboard on her own now? I snort and whip out my card slickly.
"Nah, it's within range. Card it."
"Yes. Installments, sir, or lump sum?"
"Lump sum, please."
"Got it."
The clerk swipes it quick. Seon-hwa side-eyes me, frowning. "Lump sum...? You hitting it big lately?"
"Yeah, snagged a solid gig."
"What kinda job?"
"Eh... Too soon to brag. I'll spill once it's steady."
"Not something shady...? You barely had shit in your account before we met."
"Credit card's fine, no issues. Thanks."
"......"
She looks skeptical but drops it. We haul the bags down the escalator. She grabs one per hand to help.
Switch to elevator at first floor for the parking garage. But Seon-hwa pauses at a jewelry store under the white lights.
"Hm? Something catch your eye?"
"Nah... just looks kinda nice."
"What?"
I peek with her—earrings modeled after cut gems. 24K gold, six prongs with tiny stones spaced evenly.
"Whoa, pretty legit."
"But 540,000 won... Kinda steep."
"That's steep...? You spent like water on clothes."
"Clothes are necessities! Gotta have 'em, but this is pure luxury. Useless shiny metal lump."
She blows up at my double standard. Honestly, no clue what her logic is.
"......And last time we went nuts, the bill hit hard. Gotta hold back this month."
Even a high-earner queen watches her wallet.
"At least try 'em on. It's free. Don't regret it at home."
"......Fine, just trying."
She digs it deep down—jumps at the nudge. Calls the clerk, gets them out, clips to both ears.
Instant glow-up. Gold cheongsam dress, sparkling gold earrings, flowing platinum hair. The trio synergizes into pure radiance. The queen levels up in elegance and poise.
She checks herself in the store mirror, alternating sides. Her face screams joy.
"H-how's it?"
Final verdict to me. Red lips part expectantly.
With that eager look, my line's set. "No shopping bags in the way, I'd hug you right now."
"......Idiot♥"
"Now that you've got 'em, let's go."
"Hey, wait. Gotta take 'em off."
"Nah, bought 'em. We're good."
"......?"
Same trick as with Sa-rang. Paid while she was distracted. She tries handing them back, thinking it's a joke, but the clerk smiles—transaction complete, take 'em.
Surprise gift bluescreens her. Then... fury.
"Hey, buying without asking?!"
"How could I pass when you loved 'em? Like that bear plush before."
"Totally different! This has a price tag... Hey, refund it! Makes me uncomfortable."
"Nope. Bought it 'cause I wanted to. If it's too much, call it thanks for today."
"But... still too pricey. And last time I helped, I didn't get you anything...?"
"Didn't get me? You ran proper condom errands—"
Guillotine choke before I finish. Grips my neck like a chicken for stew. Froth incoming.
"......Hoo."
But she relents quick. Deep, complex look in her dragon eyes—grateful, guilty, hating debts. Nuanced mix.
I close in, easing her burden. "Don't sweat it. Gifting those earrings benefits me too."
"......? How?"
"Makes you even prettier. Girlfriend glows up? I'm the winner watching from the side."
"............Idiot♥"
Queen blushes to her earringed lobes, all shy. Strong pride, but when she shows her heart, she's biteably cute.
Her million-carat smile? Worth every penny. Card bill might change her mind later.
"Sorry. I'll pay this debt for sure..."
"Forget it. No debt talk between us. Heavy—let's head home."
"Yeah..."
Chatting idly, we reach the underground garage. No backseat, so trunk-loading. Seon-hwa stares through the car.
"Still looks slick... Lease?"
"Nah, borrowed from a buddy."
"That's more shocking... Lends out a luxury ride like this?"
"Work-related, complicated. Your place first."
I grab the keys. But she blocks my arm.
"Seon-woo, before you start her up..."
"Yeah?"
"Thought about it a ton. Just to be sure... This you, right?"
"What?"
Seon-hwa shows me the news on her phone. Attached: a photo of a lion-masked guy walking the street. Definitely me.
Eh? I tilt my head. Blanking hard. Sweat beading on my forehead.
Regular guy Chae Seon-woo hides one Gold Lion. Told a few close ones. But Seon-hwa catching on? Not planned at all.
Fine for other girls, but she's girlfriend level. Way different.
Planned to smooth it over way later, but bam—sudden confrontation.
Stone-faced from the passenger seat, demanding truth. So... how do I handle this mess...