87. Christmas Eve Unfoldings
Christmas. The day couples rub it in everyone's faces under the guise of someone's birthday. Aside from that, it's a dancing day for condom companies and a hellish shift for hotel staff.
Year-end has crept up, bringing the big Christmas rush. Before getting the Hacking Tool, it would've been just another day that didn't hit home, but things have changed a lot. For the first time, I've booked a fancy hotel and locked in a date itinerary. My wallet took a hit prepping small gifts, but imagining her face lights up makes it worth every penny.
"Taking forever."
As dusk settles, I slump crookedly against the sports car's seatback. Time for a quiz: Who am I waiting for today? Hint: Yeon-su's got a show recording, Seon-hwa's streaming, Yu-na too. Manager Jeong-ah's swamped with year-end crap, running around like crazy. Sarang's still working her convenience store gig. So, who's the answer?
No 60-second reveal. Instead, I pull out my phone and fire up my favorited stream.
"You've been watching me all morning. I've said everything there is to say, so nothing new's gonna pop up. I'm taking a break."
"Hmm... I'll check my schedule. Alright, I'm really going now."
Stream ends. Like popcorn in a lightning strike, she ignores the chat entirely and cuts off abruptly. The answer: waiting for the queen wrapping up her broadcast.
We'd promised long ago to spend this special day together. Mi-na had hit me up first—wanna spend Eve together? She even snapped a pic of her new red lingerie bought for Christmas, dropping a naughty invite. No more tiptoeing around her boyfriend; she's a full-on tail-wagging bitch now, craving her master's attention anytime. Commendable, but I had prior plans. I brushed it off politely for next time, and she deflated a bit.
Anyway, today's girlfriend date. Figured she'd come straight down post-stream, but 20 minutes later, she finally appears. Rocking the same stiff makeup and flashy outfit from the broadcast, she strides up haughtily and slides into the passenger seat.
Today's queen fit: skin-tight black pants, a coat brushing her calves, sleek heeled boots. She bends in, welcoming the warm heater air.
"Hey, you're super late."
"Huh? You're one to talk, always late for dates."
"Not what I meant... Thought you'd come right down after ending. Worried something came up."
"Had stuff to grab."
Now I notice the shopping bag in her hand, stashed under the seat by her legs. Looks like Seon-hwa prepped an event. Curious, but she'll show when ready—no need to pry. Something else bugs me more.
"You sure it's okay going out together today?"
Her eyes narrow at my concern.
"You asking if it's fine to go out with your girlfriend on Christmas Eve...? If I say no, you'll slap on a mask and do a sleazy Christmas special stream?"
"Why so sharp today...? I keep saying, I'm worried about you. Skipping a stream now could stir drama."
As mentioned before, Seon-hwa's a BJ. Beauty streaming's her main gig, so she sells her face. Kinda like celebs living off public favor. Dating scandals are a minefield. Especially today—lots of BJs catch heat for going dark, and controversy means lost viewers, wrecked income.
She snorts like it's no big deal.
"That's why I pulled the stream early."
"Made me more suspicious. Chat had a few guesses about who you're meeting when you ended."
"No proof anyway."
"True, but if we're spotted, it blows up from guilt by association."
"...I don't care about that."
"You don't...?"
She turns away primly, facing the window, avoiding my eyes. Three weeks ago, I made a super rational pitch: pull it forward or hang after. No issue meeting off-stream usually, but tonight's risky, I convinced her. But Seon-hwa insisted on today, throwing a fit. A little patience dodges eyes and lets us play freely, but she wouldn't budge on Christmas Eve.
"Ugh, whatever! I just wanna have fun today!"
Out comes the queen in full tantrum mode—totally unqueenly.
"Still, think it over. If you change your mind on the way, no hard feelings."
I push again, not giving up. Booked big, but I'd cancel if she wants. It's risky.
My stubbornness has her fists shaking. She whips back, cheeks flushed under those eyes. She yells like she's bursting.
"You thick-headed idiot, use your brain! You think I wanna spend our first Christmas together just working?! I held off till today 'cause we're dating now, I wanna be with you, dumbass!"
She explodes in the car. ...Makes sense hearing it. Screw the drama; it's emotional pull. Couples in love leap risky bridges, right? And it's once a year. Maybe I fixated too much on practical crap.
Her narrowed eyes and pursed lips soften a tad.
"...Or what, already sick of meeting me?"
"No no no! Totally not. Pumped to see my girlfriend—prepped all day for it."
"Hmph, bore me and you're dead."
"Pfft~ Won't have a dull second, your majesty. And no more stream talk—cool it."
"Wasn't mad. ...Hmph."
I grovel low, and she huffs like finally. Leaning toward her crossed arms, I peck her cheek for peace.
"Mmm...♥"
Bonus warm breath on her stiff neck, and she melts a bit. Spot the familiar earrings glinting—add praise.
"Those earrings suit you perfect."
The ones I bought. Golden ice crystals, like her frosty queen heart.
"...Hmph♥"
Which I thaw every time. Her gradient expression's visible: puffed cheeks, satisfied smile creeping up. My girlfriend's so cute it's insane.
"Carol tunes and let's roll!"
Hit the wheel switch for music, rev the RPM, and peel out cockily. Big noise, safe drive as always.
Date plan: Light drive start, booked escape room cafe, nearby cafe sip, then level two—photo op overlooking giant Christmas tree from a viewpoint. Finale: hotel dinner, overnight♥. All indoors to minimize spotting risk; Seon-hwa digs secluded spots. Mouth says she wants public dates, but picks indoors once out. Crowds tire her fast, make her prickly. Mind and body split—like a cat. Planned around that, so smooth sailing.
Cruised Christmas-lit streets in the sports car, teamed with hyper-competitive Seon-hwa in a "Santa's kidnapper" escape room. Parked at the hotel temp, headed to quiet streets for cafe vibe-boost, hands locked tight. Strolling night streets with the world's prettiest girlfriend, platinum hair swaying.
Sunglasses on, but guys steal glances. Pretty even glammed; bare face? Double, triple takes. Squeeze♥—I cling tighter each time.
"Hey, too close."
"Why? Everyone's paired up. Christmas mood!"
"Hard to walk..."
Pretends to hate it, grumbles, but lets me wrap her waist. Envy from passersby jumps three levels. This is the thrill of rubbing it in.
Soon, square with massive tree. Crowd halts, buzzing thick. Stage upfront, mic hot—Christmas fest or broadcast?
"Ooh, something's up. Quick peek."
"Wait. Crowds aren't my thing..."
"Time to kill. Scope it, warm up at cafe after."
"...Fine."
Hates crowds but follows since I'm glued. Christmas hype's got her tensed up.
Shallow five-layer fan crowd; good flow, spot opens quick. Enough for tiptoeing Seon-hwa too.
"Alright, gathering challenger couples!!"
Mic-boomed over the square. Mid-stream, seems special broadcast or mini-fest. Cameras rolling—news or celeb clip?
Male MC, famous panels galore. Don't watch TV much, but familiar names. Especially the bubbly girl MC in joggers and long padding, wrangling participants—way too familiar. Like we've rolled sticky in bed.
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Wireless mic, down from stage: wild Yeon-su appears. Fuckbuddy, instructor, celeb, rich noona—Ha Yeon-su.
Why her here??? Totally her. Wide hips hid by padding, ponytail, light makeup pretty face. No doubt.
She mentioned recording—didn't know outdoor event-style.
"......"
She's shocked too. Froze mid-flow, picks me from the horde.
Gaze shifts to Seon-hwa beside me. Clinging tight.
Break it down: Second 1—spots me. Second 2—eyes to Seon-hwa. Second 3—meaningful smirk.
Sharp Yeon-su reads the room in three secs flat.
"Looks like~ we found some fun participants!"
Mic quip, grin full of mischief. Joker's pre-terror glee or pure toy delight? Either way, chill crawls my spine—heavy, cold.