Eating Out
"Fortunately, adding one more person is no problem."
"Seriously, what a relief. Thanks."
"No big deal. You helped me out today, so this is the least I can do…."
Jang Ha-rin let out a deep sigh of relief. I scratched my head, feeling a bit awkward.
The dinner plans with Jang Ha-rin and Kim Ye-eun that were already set for today. I'd casually suggested joining them, thinking it was just some casual meal near the house. Who would've thought they were planning to celebrate the end of exams with something nice? Of course, a place like that required reservations. If they'd said no extra spots were available, it would've been awkward as hell. Luckily, that got sorted out over the phone just now.
"I'll cover dinner tonight."
"Huh? No, you don't have to do that."
I waved my hands frantically. After hearing the restaurant name from her, I snuck a quick search—prices were no joke. Even if I loved free food, eating something that pricey on her dime pricked my conscience a little.
"No, really, let me treat you. I won't feel right otherwise unless I at least buy you dinner today."
"…In that case, thanks. I'll treat you next time for sure."
"Yeah, don't forget—you have to."
Jang Ha-rin smiled so brightly it was like a halo was shining around her. It was hard to believe she was Kim Ye-eun's roommate. Back in middle and high school, Kim Ye-eun and I used to hang out everywhere, and she'd whine nonstop every time. If it had been Kang Min-jun, he would've smacked her upside the head on the spot. From what her mom told me, she was just as whiny at home. And yet, Jang Ha-rin lived with that… Her patient personality must be why she put up with it.
Thinking back, even our first meeting was a situation that could've made anyone flip out, but she'd calmly cooled things down and smoothed it over.
"Huh? Is there something on my face?"
"Oh, no. Just thinking about what to get you for that meal next time."
"Haha! No need to stress. My tastes are pretty basic despite how I look. I love cheap stuff like tteokbokki."
She flashed another wide smile. Her excessive warmth made all the recent crap I'd been dealing with fade away, if only for a moment.
We arrived at the meeting spot before I knew it. I was about to text Kim Ye-eun that we were there when—
"Ha-riniiiin—!!"
Kim Ye-eun came charging from way off in the distance, screeching at the top of her lungs. Her voice was so loud that passersby yanked out their earbuds to stare. If I left her be, she'd slam right into Jang Ha-rin, so I casually stepped in front of her.
Screeech—!
The moment she spotted me, Kim Ye-eun slammed on the brakes. Then came a sound so unbelievable for someone who'd been sprinting like that.
"Hey! You idiot, that's dangerous! What the hell do you think you're—"
She immediately turned her anger on me. I glanced sideways and nodded lightly toward Jang Ha-rin, who was standing there awkwardly with her hand on my shoulder.
Her gaze locked onto Jang Ha-rin.
"…Huh? Ha-rin! Are you hurt?"
Her face went pale in an instant. Kim Ye-eun hopped over in shock.
"Haha… Yeah, I tripped while running and twisted it a bit."
"You okay? Doesn't look like just a minor sprain. Did you go to the hospital?"
"Yeah, I'm fine now. Jun-woo happened to be nearby and helped me out, so we went. They said no need for a cast."
"Really? Thank God… Still, you should've texted me sooner if something like that happened…."
"Sorry… It was all so hectic, and on the way here, I was chatting with Jun-woo."
At Jang Ha-rin's calm explanation, Kim Ye-eun's eyes darted around unsteadily. The glare she'd been shooting me full of resentment just seconds ago was gone. Shock, guilt, relief, gratitude—all mixed on her face as she looked at me.
"……."
She stared at me silently for a moment, then suddenly lunged forward.
"Juuun-woo!!"
"W-wait! Ow?!"
Thud—she smashed into my chest. Then she wrapped her arms around my waist, squeezing like she was trying to devour me. It was so tight I could barely breathe.
"Hey, c-can't… breathe!"
"Thank you!"
Ignoring my yelp completely. She worked out regularly, so it actually hurt quite a bit. The sudden pain must've triggered an old habit of hers. Back in the day, whenever she was grateful, she'd demand hugs from her parents every time. Probably because of that, up until first year of middle school, she'd do the same to us. But it vanished completely after puberty hit.
Her emotions must've surged so hard in that short time that it slipped out unconsciously. Guess that showed how precious Jang Ha-rin was to her.
Hugging her after so long… wasn't great, honestly. We'd been stuck together too much growing up, so it felt more like hugging an actual older sister than anything rational. And imagining hugging a real sister was creepy as hell on its own.
"Ooooh~."
Over Kim Ye-eun's shoulder, Jang Ha-rin watched us with keen interest, like she was live-watching a fun drama.
"How about letting go now? Feels like my ribs are gonna crack."
"Oh? Oh!"
Feeling her arms loosen, I gently pried her off. Only then did she seem to snap back to reality and jump back, startled.
"Ah, crap! What the hell was that?!"
Her face flushed red like she'd downed shots. She fanned herself with both hands and averted her eyes from me.
As I watched her, a vague sense of familiarity hit me. She seemed more dressed up than usual. Especially those earrings glinting by her ears. I'd seen them somewhere before, but the memory wouldn't click. Eh, it'd come back eventually.
I checked the time. About ten minutes till the reservation. The place was three minutes away on foot, but with Jang Ha-rin's leg, even leaving now would be tight.
"Let's hurry and eat. Kim Ye-eun, support Ha-rin to the restaurant."
I'd been helping her so far, but now that Kim Ye-eun was here, it made sense for her to take over.
"…Got it. Come on, Ha-rin. Grab on here."
She nodded at my words and placed a hand on Jang Ha-rin's shoulder to steady her. Their height difference was minimal, so it looked way more comfortable than when I'd done it.
"This the address you got? Head there?"
"Yep, that's the one."
I double-checked just in case and we started walking. But the earlier incident left an awkward vibe. I could feel Kim Ye-eun sneaking glances when I wasn't looking, then whipping her head away when I turned. That hug must've embarrassed her big time. I'd be mortified too. If we let it fester, dinner would be awkward as hell.
Best to break the ice with a compliment or something. Pondering what to say, I recalled her outfit that looked like she'd put extra effort into.
"Oh, right. Kim Ye-eun."
"Huh? What?"
"Those earrings look great on you."
"Huh? Oh… Thanks."
Her stiff expression melted into a big smile. Good, the plan worked.
"Ye-eun, you wanna shower first?"
"Nah, I'll go later. You first."
"Okay."
Thud. Back home after dinner, Kim Ye-eun carefully closed her bedroom door.
"……."
She hadn't had time to tidy up earlier while rushing to pick an outfit. Clothes were scattered everywhere on the floor. Normally, she'd roll up her sleeves and clean immediately, but she just stepped around them and flopped onto the bed.
Plop. The cozy embrace of the soft bedding. She closed her eyes for a moment, then rolled onto her side.
With the lights off, only the dim ceiling with its faint patterns was visible. Staring blankly at them, she brought a hand to her right ear.
The cool, sharp touch at her fingertips. A metal earring smaller than a knuckle.
"…He noticed."
No way he'd recognize it, she'd thought, figuring the odds were slim as she headed out. But he'd spotted it somehow.
About five years ago. The time when she first had to part ways with her childhood friends Kang Min-jun and Lee Jun-woo. When she was upset, Lee Jun-woo suddenly gave her these earrings as a gift. Just the right one.
He hadn't said much, handing it over out of the blue, so she couldn't be sure. But later, she learned the right earring symbolized "the protected one." Probably meant he'd always watch over her, even if things changed. It was Lee Jun-woo, after all—always so thoughtful.
That's what Kim Ye-eun figured. Of course, she'd never worn them after getting them. Her parents opposed piercings in middle and high school. As an adult, she'd shoved them in a corner of her place and forgotten. But recently, she'd gotten sponsored earrings and finally pierced her ears. While cleaning, she spotted them near her vanity and thought, Why not try them?
And Lee Jun-woo had recognized them.
"…Way too observant for his own good."
Since starting university, Kang Min-jun had been ditching shoots for work, so they'd started using Lee Jun-woo as a sub once or twice. Now their paths crossed more, and unlike her scatterbrained self, his unnecessary attention to detail meant he nailed the shots she wanted every time. He'd become her regular photographer.
Meeting at crowded hot spots for shoots felt like seeing him more than during her busy high school senior year. That's probably why she'd hugged him like old times without thinking today….
Whoosh. Recalling it made her face heat up for no reason. Embarrassment, disgust, and some inexplicable subtle feeling welled up together. Her heart started pounding loud enough to echo in her ears.
Kim Ye-eun covered her face with both hands and took a deep breath.
"Auuugh…."
Her heart showed no signs of calming. She stomped her feet in frustration.
"Ye-eun, I'm done showering."
"Okay~ Coming out. Thanks."
A welcome voice from outside. Kim Ye-eun sprang off the bed. She stripped and stepped into the bathroom, greeted by steamy warmth. The shower was already at a perfect temp. Like Jang Ha-rin, she was a hot-water shower person.
"……."
About to turn on the water like usual, Kim Ye-eun paused.
"…Gotta go cold today."
This damn heat still wouldn't fade. Looked like she'd have to wash it away with cold water.
Waiting Kim Ye-eun (Image)
