Giant Ssambap Assault and Puppy Amnesia
This couldn't be real. A mouthwatering feast was laid out on the table: charcoal-grilled pork belly infused with smoky flavor, glistening sea bream sashimi, spicy hot pot bubbling away, and even perfectly roasted mullet roe.
"Well, shall we dig in?"
"“Let's eat!”"
I picked up a thick slice of pork belly first and popped it into my mouth. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—perfect texture. The subtle charcoal aroma elevated the flavor even more.
"Ahh... this is why we camp."
"It's so delicious. The fat's all rendered out, leaving it lean and nutty," Dad said with a nod of approval.
Mom quietly nodded too as she slipped a piece of sashimi into her mouth.
The mukbang was in full swing by then. Glancing sideways, I saw Little Areum using her delicate, fern-like hands to pile instant rice, a piece of meat, and a hearty dab of ssamjang onto a lettuce leaf, wrapping it up like a pro.
...So cute.
But the wrap was growing suspiciously large. Not satisfied with one lettuce leaf, she started incorporating perilla leaves to expand her territory. The wrap ended up bigger than her tiny fist. Would that monster even fit in her mouth? Or was she the nibbling type?
"Here, sis, say ahh!" Little Areum beamed innocently, thrusting the massive wrap toward my mouth.
"......"
Isn't that a bit too big? I couldn't bring myself to turn away from her pure, sparkling eyes. Refusing would make me the bad adult. Steeling myself, I opened my mouth as wide as it would go.
"Aaaah."
The moment the wrap hit my mouth, I knew it was impossible. No way. I had no choice. It might look ugly, but this was the only way... I squeezed the hand holding the wrap as hard as I could, compressing the lettuce. Using my cheeks and jaw joints, I crammed it all in.
But it was still too huge. My cheeks ballooned like a pufferfish, and I couldn't even close my mouth.
"Ugh... munch..."
"Pfft!"
"Ahahaha!"
The parents finally burst out laughing at my bloated face. Dad hunched over, shoulders shaking, while Mom covered her mouth—but couldn't stifle the giggles.
...Laugh it up. If this is what it takes for everyone to enjoy camping, I'll sacrifice my dignity.
After barely swallowing the dizzying beast, Little Areum looked up at me proudly, as if checking if her creation was tasty.
"Sis, is it yummy?"
"...Yeah. The best. Now make one for Mom and Dad."
"Gasp."
"Oh, Areumie, Mom can eat on her own just fine..."
"I'll make one for you too, Mom!"
In the end, the parents fell victim to Little Areum's massive ssambap bombardment too.
Pfft, bigger than you thought, huh?
The meal continued in a warm, cheerful atmosphere.
Once we were all stuffed, Dad suddenly asked, "Areum-ssi, you seem so natural even in front of the camera. We're still awkward whenever it's on—we even get scolded for it. Any secrets?"
I set down my chopsticks and thought for a moment. Secrets, huh...
"Hmm... I was super awkward at first too. I prepped lines, tried explaining everything... but it never worked."
"Right. We tried scripting too, but it felt so forced we gave up," Mom chimed in with a nod.
"Then at some point, I just let go. Viewers seemed to like my real self more than some fake act. You can feel the reactions change when you overthink the camera."
"Ah... so that's it."
"Yeah. Now I just act like it's not there. Sure, I mess up sometimes, but they even enjoy that."
Well, I did stress a bit early on over my 'camp grandpa' image... but these days it's more like, Eh, whatever. Can't change my personality, so the same stuff happens anyway.
"Hearing that, we should try the same. We've always thought of you as our teacher, Areum-ssi."
Dad glanced at his daughter beside him.
"Me?"
"Yeah. She's the same with or without the camera—just laughs, chats, and plays like always. That's what we need to learn."
I looked at Little Areum. Ignoring the adults' talk, she was poking a fork into a sausage slit with a serious face, playing around.
...Yeah, definitely.
That pure lack of camera awareness. Maybe that's the ultimate content weapon.
As the meal wound down, Little Areum started nodding off. Pillowed on Mom's lap, she looked otherworldly in her innocence.
"Aigoo, she must be tired."
"Time to pack up."
Glamping meant no dishwashing hassle—just drop leftovers and plates at the designated spot. Cleanup was quick. Mom carefully carried the sleeping girl into the caravan first.
Left alone in the yard with Dad, the night air felt chilly.
"Today... thank you so much."
His slightly trembling voice rang with sincerity.
"Without you, our family trip would've been ruined. Thanks to you, we discovered how great camping can be."
"No, I had a blast too. Solo camping's nice, but this group thing is good too."
"If there's another chance... would that be okay?"
"Of course. Call anytime you want to camp."
I smiled and pulled out my smartphone.
"Wanna exchange numbers?"
"Oh, yes! Absolutely!"
After he headed into the caravan, I finally returned to my tent.
What a long day. Thought I'd die from muscle pain this morning... Met Little Areum's family, had that mystical temple experience...
But what was that, really? Sigh, no point overthinking now—no clear answers anyway.
One thing stuck, though. That line about exploring the sahā world? No clue what it means, but I'll just enjoy life, I guess.
I drifted off gazing at moonlight through the tent's small window.
The next morning, as I efficiently packed my tent, Little Areum's family showed up. The now-awake girl ran straight to me and hugged tight.
"Sis, you leaving already?"
"Yeah, gotta head home."
"Nooo... Can we play again, sis?"
She looked up with teary eyes, on the verge of tears. My heart tugged.
I crouched to her level, wiped her tears, and said, "Of course. Call me anytime you miss me, and I'll come running."
Only then did she break into a bright smile.
Then Dad handed me a small box.
"A gift. Nothing fancy... but we made it last night with grateful hearts."
"A gift? No, you don't have to..."
"Please accept. It's our small token."
I took it. Opening the lid carefully revealed a wooden chopstick rest, surface smoothly polished with my initials 'H.A.R.' intricately engraved.
...First gift like this.
"...Thank you so much. I'll carry it on every camping trip."
I bowed sincerely.
After a reluctant goodbye, I got in the car. In the rearview mirror, I watched the three fade away, then glanced at the chopstick rest on the passenger seat.
Such a warm family. Little Areum's adorable too—hope we keep in touch.
On the way home, final stop: Im Nana's place. Time to reunite with Maximus.
Only two days apart, but it felt like forever.
I rang the doorbell at her house. Ding-dong.
"Who is it~?"
Im Nana's cheerful voice came through the intercom.
"It's me."
"Areumie! Come on in!"
The door opened, and she welcomed me warmly. My eyes went straight to her feet—searching for the white fluffball.
...What?
There was Maximus at her feet, sure. But not how I'd imagined.
Instead of propeller-wagging joy, he just tilted his head, staring blankly. Tail not even twitching.
"...Maximus?"
No reaction to my call—just the look you give a stranger.
"...Did you... forget me?"
Shock and betrayal crashed over me like the world collapsing. Just two days. Two days, and he forgot me?
This, this is a dream. Can't be real!
"Maximus? S-sis is here... come on?"
"......"
No response. What the hell happened? How in two days...?
"What did you do to him?!"
I grabbed Im Nana's shoulders and shook wildly, lost to rage.
"Gyaaah! A-Areumie, calm down!"
No one could stop me.