Chapter 534
Chapter 534
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 534
Chapter Title: First Camping Trip
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They said just show up and everything would be taken care of... but for a total loner like me, that was easier said than done. I'd messed up and gotten chewed out dozens of times before for being clueless. I couldn't afford to repeat the same mistakes. Now that I was in college, it was time to shed that loser image. This was my chance to really change. So for the entire week, I prepped nonstop for camping.
My brand-new camping outfit was proof of that.
Clean, simple design that wasn't too flashy. Top-notch functionality. And the light green color—that was the key point... I'd heard it was great camouflage! I wasn't sure exactly what it camouflaged, but there had to be a reason for the recommendation. I trusted the super kind sales lady. She was nice even to a loner like me, so she had to be reliable.
"Ahahaha, Yujin, what on earth is that?!"
"Sua, pfft... don't laugh too hard."
"But it's hilarious. Did you dress like that hoping camping rumors would spread?"
...
I thought she was reliable.
But I was wrong.
Sua unnie was in simple track pants, and the boss was dressed similarly casual. I'd heard this was the kind of thing to wear for a camping trip... Ugh, so embarrassing. It reminded me of that time I went on the school trip still in my uniform. My eyes even teared up a little.
"Still, it's cute and fresh. New purchase? Adorably so."
"Unnie... don't tease."
"I'm not teasing. I mean it. I can't pull that off anymore."
"Exactly. Gotta rein it in at almost thirty."
"O... Oppa? Why bring up age out of nowhere?"
"Yujin, door's open. Hop in."
"Oppa! No, hey! Gam Deok-bae! Why mention age?!"
At least... they all saw it as cute, so that was a relief.
And once we arrived at the campsite, there was nothing to be embarrassed about anymore.
The scenery was unbelievably clear and beautiful. Clean air, cool breeze. Closing my eyes and listening to the birds chirping... Haah, glad I came. Great vibes from the start. This is why people go camping. I'd been worried at first, but Wooshi was right—diving in was the way to go.
"Yujin, ever pitched a tent before?"
"N-no."
"Wanna give it a try?"
"...Me?"
"Super easy. I'll show you. It's an experience, right?"
"Oppa, go grab the meat. I'll teach Yujin."
"What, already hungry?"
"Duh. Isn't that obvious?"
New knowledge unlocked: 'How to set up a tent' was a breeze. First, align the poles straight, then pull the sleeves to lift it up. The folded tent unfurls bit by bit... Ta-da, done! It shaped up in a blink, way simpler than the videos I'd watched.
Maybe because this was a high-end model?
Anyway, after setting up the tent and unpacking the camping gear,
the boss... whoa, looks delicious...
came back with some premium-looking meat.
It was for tonight's barbecue.
Another new fact: the boss was a great cook too. I thought grilling meat was just... grilling it? Nope. That smoky charcoal aroma soaked into every bite. And the tender chew... Wow, the best meat I'd ever had. Even simple 'grilling' took skill.
She could be a chef at this rate...
Hmm, now I got why the regulars adored her.
The boss was campsite MVP material.
Plus, this spot was a private site for special guests only... And she was the one who booked it? Some VIP connections? The more I learned, the more mysterious she got.
"Yujin, wanna take a quick walk?"
"Sure!"
"What about you, oppa? Wanna join?"
"You two go. I'll tidy up here."
After that, we strolled, snapped pics, sipped coffee...
"Guys, I'll head to the car real quick."
"Me too! Got stuff to grab."
"I'll wait here then."
Hehe, even little things felt fresh and fun. Emotions I'd never known cooped up at home... I wanted to share them—brag, really. So I fired up SNS and posted.
Comments rolled in right away.
It was Wooshi.
Saying that, but Wooshi was the biggest fashion loser of all.
So a little fib like this was fine, right?
I DM'd him a pic with unnie.
Face blurred, of course.
And just like that, I got counterattacked for no reason.
Was my outfit that funny?
I sulked for a sec, but seeing him seethe made me burst out laughing.
Hanging with Wooshi is always a blast.
But... even after hours of fun, the boss and Sua unnie showed no sign of returning. The sun was setting, sunset glowing, and my mind wandered to scary thoughts... Then footsteps approached from afar.
It was them, arms full of beer and snacks.
"Sorry, Yujin. Were you bored? Got a work call—took a bit."
"All good. Not bored at all."
"Here, take this."
"Th-thanks!"
Guess we're drinking after all.
Booze.
That was my biggest worry. Even good people can turn dangerous drunk... I'd agonized over it. Huh? Just six beers? They aren't big drinkers? The adults I knew were all booze hounds, so this was refreshing.
"Huh? Prefer soju maybe?"
"N-no! Not that..."
"Not enough?"
"No?! I mean..."
"Oppa, Yujin's at prime drinking age. Two beers might not cut it."
"No! I thought you'd chug way more..."
"Ah, hahaha! Can't handle that anymore."
True 'adults'—unlike my seniors. She drank to set the mood, not get wasted. Drunk honesty? That's not real you, she said. Real closeness means spilling without booze. Boss's philosophy.
"Oppa, acting like a principal."
"Ah... was I clueless?"
"Just bring out the cake."
Then casual chit-chat flowed... I got what she meant. This 'mood high.' Late evening, cool beer, tasty cake, great company, everyday talk. Beers stopped at two, but felt amazing. Bond deepened... Made me smile.
"Fun day, Yujin?"
"Yeah! Wanna come again!"
If chance arises, I'd love round two.
Park Siwoo was floored.
Jinny... Lee Yujin went camping?
First thought: 'With who?' If a guy... Damn, nightmare scenario. Timid girl, pushy dude, leading to... Fuck. Cursing under his breath, Park Siwoo played it cool in the comments. Act nonchalant, probe for details.
Thankfully, no guy vibes.
Jinny's friend looked peak cool kid.
But she bugged him.
Could get hit on at camp. Or hit on someone. Then... hook up with some random dude? Get wasted? Fuck! Cursing again, Park Siwoo kept messaging Jinny. Warn her to be careful, just in case...
Then he recalled Hyung's message.
Ask if you'd join the MT since you're kinda close to Yujin. Remembering that, he resolved anew. Drag her to MT somehow, get close. Not planning to get her blackout drunk... but booze loosens tongues. Strike then, win her heart...
Could turn out great, right?
Park Siwoo dreamed of a rosy future.