69 Shades of Gray (2)

Clothes like that can give off completely different vibes depending on who's wearing them. Jeong Ha-yeon was a perfect example.

Having shed her jacket, she was dressed in black track pants and a white short-sleeved tee. Her tall stature and killer proportions made even this everyday outfit look stylish and poised.

I need to grow a bit taller myself. He was almost at his dreamed-of 180cm mark, thanks mostly to an item that had stretched out his legs and improved his ratios.

"Nice place. And that TV's huge?"

"I love watching movies, so I splurged on a big one."

"Hey, Joo-hwan. From now on, can't we just crash here whenever we drink instead of going out? It's perfect."

"I don't think I could handle the cleanup..."

"Pfft. You think we'd just bail? We'd tidy up before leaving."

"You sure about that?"

They might mean it at first, but people get lazy with repeated visits. That's why they say not to let friends into your place too freely, even if you're living solo. He had no personal experience, but he'd heard the wisdom.

Jeong Ha-yeon chuckled slyly before asking, "So why couldn't the guys make it?"

"Seok-chan's got a group project. Deok-hoon's at a family gathering."

"Tsk. I was gonna call 'em one more time, but no dice."

"What can you do? Oh, but I already ordered snacks—what now?"

"Eek. How much? If it's for four, cancel quick."

"Yeah, good call. Hmm. Or should we just cook something?"

He enjoyed ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠cooking for himself, so his kitchen was well-stocked.

Jeong Ha-yeon blinked in surprise. "You can actually cook?"

"Just about as well as anyone? I can handle most simple stuff."

He downplayed it, but he was pretty confident in his skills. It didn't show in his status window, but his potential was at least B-rank. Current level? Probably C to C+.

"Ooh. What're you making? Got ingredients?"

"Stocked up a few days ago. Hey, you brought an umbrella, right? Is it raining outside?"

"Yeah. Just starting to sprinkle."

"Then how about pancakes? Nothing beats them on a rainy day."

"Pancakes? Awesome! What kind?"

"Anything you craving?"

"Kimchi pancakes? Nah, probably tough for a solo liver like you."

Of course, kimchi pancakes needed good kimchi as the star. For a bachelor without a batch of homemade stuff, it wasn't a go-to dish.

But Seo Joo-hwan nodded. Kimchi pancakes were his favorite too, and he had plenty on hand—courtesy of Seo Joo-hee and Han Su-ah's recent visit. Su-ah had brought assorted side dishes, while Joo-hee hauled in a whole tub of kimchi.

"Squid okay in it?"

"Squid too? Hell yeah!"

"Bought it planning to make pork stir-fry. Glad I got extra."

"Whoa... You're full of surprises."

"What do you mean?"

"Doesn't fit your image."

"What's wrong with my image...?"

Seo Joo-hwan scowled. She'd said something similar last time—what did she think he was?

Jeong Ha-yeon burst out laughing. "Like Lee Seok-chan!"

"Dunno what that means, but it offends me."

"Loves booze, smokes like a chimney, crazy for girls, party animal, hates hassle, and a total 4D weirdo with filthy thoughts."

"Apologize to Seok-chan..."

Wasn't that a bit harsh? Jeong Ha-yeon waved it off, cracking up.

"Hahaha. Kidding. Most guys who can cook skip it living alone 'cause it's a pain. Seeing you shop regularly impressed me, that's all."

Seo Joo-hwan snorted a laugh. She could say that because they were close. They'd known each other since she was 16—seven years of friendship.

Curiosity struck him. "Hey, you got a thing for Seok-chan or what?"

"...Wanna die? Picking a fight?"

Her serious retort made him flinch involuntarily. Bare-faced and glaring, with those cat-like eyes sharpened to ice—it was intimidating.

He backpedaled fast. "Just messing around."

"Mess with something that makes sense! One pass this time."

"Haha. You two feel more like siblings than lovers anyway."

"...Siblings?"

"Yeah. Like me and my little sis."

"You have a sister?"

Jeong Ha-yeon perked up at the mention.

"Yep. One little sis. She's coming to our department next year?"

Pre-regression, Seo Joo-hee had gone to a different uni for advertising and PR. But now, with her broadcasting management and YouTube editing gigs, she wanted Publishing Content.

"Senior year of high school then? Guess I'll have a little sis too."

"Make that two."

"Two? Wait... twins?"

"Pfft, nah."

As he mixed the batter, Seo Joo-hwan chatted about Seo Joo-hee and Han Su-ah. Jeong Ha-yeon seemed envious, paying close attention. Probably an only child.

He eyed the batter bowl dubiously. "Hmm. Might not be enough."

"Want me to whip up some pork stir-fry?"

"Huh? You good at that?"

"Not bragging, but yeah on pork. Use the leftover squid?"

"Sure. Make it spicy red."

"Gotcha."

Seo Joo-hwan fried the kimchi pancakes while Jeong Ha-yeon stir-fried the squid pork. They added rolled omelets, kimchi-dusted mini rice balls, and more to complete the spread.

"Good thing we canceled delivery."

"Yeah. Feels like ages since I cooked."

"You only did the pork."

"Got a problem?"

"None, ma'am. Sorry..."

"Why apologize? Just asking."

Jeong Ha-yeon looked sheepish. Guess it really was ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠casual.

They set the table and flipped on the TV, but nothing fun was on. Channel surfing, he suggested, "Movie?"

"Sure. Been forever."

"What you wanna watch?"

"That one? 69 Shades of Gray. Heard it's good somewhere."

"Uh... that?"

"What? Lame?"

"Nah, not that..."

Seo Joo-hwan scratched his temple awkwardly. 69 Shades of Gray was polarizing—great if it hit your tastes, but watching it alone with Jeong Ha-yeon? Problematic.

"Oh, hate romance? We can pick another."

"Not that either."

"Then what?"

"Heard it's pretty steamy. Kinda awkward for us."

It featured explicit bed scenes. But Jeong Ha-yeon scoffed like it was no big deal.

"What, we high schoolers?"

"Adults."

"And you don't see me as a girl, right?"

"R-right?"

No. Kinda changed my mind there.

Couldn't say that outright. Seo Joo-hwan shrugged and hit play. If she was cool, no point arguing.

The movie started. He'd seen it before but dove right in. He loved films anyway, and they were great study material. Dialogue from movies and dramas helped make novel lines conversational, ditching stiffness for natural speech.

Natural dialogue was key. Especially when building around character charm—chatty banter alone could carry a story.

A well-crafted character makes even small talk fun. Plenty of novels sold big on chit-chat alone. Add a gripping plot? Perfection.

Uni life had slowed his updates, but he kept ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠writing diligently. The Possessed Master is a Martial Arts Public Enemy had passed 100 chapters. Time to launch on other platforms soon.

He shoved distractions aside, focusing on the screen.

Here it comes.

69 Shades of Gray followed hotshot businessman Malben Gray and fresh grad heroine Anis Brown in a melodrama romance. Malben had unique tastes, and Anis—smitten and dating him—freaked when she learned them.

Malben's kink? SM play. He confesses to Anis after things get serious, but she can't accept it right away, spiraling into conflict. Eventually, she tries understanding her love (Malben), awakening urges she never knew.

Post-regression, Seo Joo-hwan watched intently.

My stuff with Ji-kyeong was child's play. A few spanks didn't count as SM.

Soon, even the steamy scenes became study material.

Meanwhile, Jeong Ha-yeon beside him was screaming internally.

Eek! Crazy! They do that? It was steamy, but this steamy? I'm dying.

The raw bed scenes were torture. Should've switched when he suggested! Her pride trapped her, hyper-aware of her breathing.

Glancing sideways, she jolted.

Why's he staring so intensely...?

His eyes bored into the screen like he wanted to enter it—sparkling with fascination.

Does he have those tastes...?

Adjusting for a better view, his arm crossed hers, elbow to shoulder.

Deep in thought, she twitched at the contact.

A lewd moan erupted—man's ragged breaths of excitement, woman's mix of pleasure and shock!

Startled, Jeong Ha-yeon let out a stifled gasp like a moan. "Hic!"

"Whoa! Scared me."

"S-sorry."

"Huh?"

Her reflexive apology left Seo Joo-hwan baffled. Then he spotted her flushed ears peeking through her hair.

The scene ramped up. Moans assaulted her ears; she flinched.

Seo Joo-hwan finally got it and chuckled.

Thought she was fine.

Didn't expect this intensity. Her ears weren't the only giveaway—her pale nape was pink too. Once noticed, her fair skin made it obvious.

Spotting his smirk, she elbowed him in embarrassment.

"Don't laugh. Why're you laughing?"

"Pfft-hh."

"I said don't!"

"How can I not? Heh-heh."

"You!"

She reached to tickle; he blocked mid-laugh. Her hits stung—he couldn't just take them.

Hands clashed a few times before her competitive streak kicked in, grabbing his shoulder.

Slick.

Her grip slipped; she toppled onto him.

Straddling him, she stared in panic.

Perfect timing. The heroine Anis mounted Malben—just like them, give or take.

Jeong Ha-yeon jolted, trying to rise—but slipped again, collapsing into him.

He caught her to prevent injury. Their pose now mirrored the film even closer.

"S-sorry," she stammered, flustered.

"No need."

"Huh?"

No answer. He glanced at the screen, then back at her—heat in his eyes.

She felt it; her body tensed, gulp audible as she swallowed.

Twisting, she said, "Let go already?"

"Nah."

"..."

Silent, he lifted his head from the floor, faces drawing near. Her porcelain skin sharpened in focus, flawless and translucent, lips rosy and magnifying.

Lips nearly met—

Thwack.

A pale hand wedged between. Then—

Thud!

Dull impact to his gut.

"Guh!"

"Hey, what the hell?"

Short, sharp strike to the abdomen—Jeong Ha-yeon sprang up, fuming.

Seo Joo-hwan clutched his core, rolling on the floor speechless.

"Th-there... Ngh..."

His violent reaction startled her glare away. "Whoa? Hey, you okay? Seo Joo-hwan!"

Shrimp-curled and immobile, he had her forgetting anger, helping him up.

"Sit. I'll rub your back."

Seating him, she patted below his waist. Muttering aggrievedly, "Damn. Didn't hit there..."

"Eugh!"

"D-does it hurt bad?"

"Ugh..."

"Ah, seriously. Shouldn't have... Better now?"

Worried, she kept patting. Pat-pat.

Back to her, Seo Joo-hwan grinned wryly.

...Yeah.

As Lucy said, pure instinct. He'd sensed the incoming hit and rolled away.

"Still hurts?"

Clueless Jeong Ha-yeon's worried voice rang out.

The mishap passed, but the movie soon ended. Malben Gray and Anis Brown parted ways. Anis, unable to accept his tastes, leaves after turmoil—that was the finale.

Jeong Ha-yeon shrugged on her jacket. "I'm out."

"Not staying? Raining hard now."

"Crash here and who knows what creeps in."

"Nah, that was just the mood... Sorry."

"Pfft. Half-joking."

"Haha. Right?"

"Funny. Means half-serious. Do it again and you're dead."

She mock-threatened with a fist. Big for a girl, but slender next to his. How'd it pack such punch?

Awkward grin, he grabbed an umbrella. "I'll walk you."

"No need. It's close."

"You're wobbling drunk. And it's past midnight."

"Hmm. You seem riskier..."

"Sorry about that..."

Mention it, and apologies were all he had.

Scratching his eye corner, avoiding her gaze—she giggled.

"Hee-hee. Fine. Let's smoke one on the way."

Chuckling, she headed out; he followed.

Drip, plip, drizzle. Late spring night rain pattered. Droplets slid down leaves into soil.

They hit the usual smoking booth, lighting up. Hazy smoke filled it.

Jeong Ha-yeon spoke up. "That movie earlier."

"Yeah?"

"That's the end? The finale."

"Oh, it's a trilogy. Only up to part 2 now; 3 comes later."

"Really?"

"Curious about the rest?"

"Yeah. Was fun. Even if someone ruined the vibe."

"Oof. Gonna milk that forever?"

"Milk? Not even an hour ago."

She smirked sideways. Lifetime tease material.

Beats awkward silence.

Better she rib him playfully. Only because it was her could he lighten the mood like this.

Good call rolling, he thought, inhaling deep.

Then casually: "Hey, Seo Joo-hwan."

"Yeah?"

"You like me?"

"What? *Cough*! Ah, went down wrong... *Cough cough*."

Smoke scratched his throat.

She patted his back, sighing pitifully. "Total mess today."

"*Cough*. Whose fault..."

"Mine?"

"Who else?"

Absurd glare; she giggled.

Taking a drag, she asked, "Why'd you try kissing me?"

"Told you. Got swept up."

"Pfft. Said you don't see me as a girl."

Not anymore.

He smacked his lips awkwardly.

Stubbing her cig, she said, "Anyway, that's it?"

"...What else? Thought you looked pretty."

"Nah, whatever. Done."

She laughed once, grabbing the umbrella. Heading solo?

Did he mess up? Then she turned. "Coming? Said you'd walk me."

"R-right."

Seo Joo-hwan stubbed out, opening the umbrella.

"Thanks. Get home safe."

"Yeah. Ha-yeon, sorry about ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠earlier."

"Forget it. Clean slate if you behave. Your place our hideout now?"

"Eek."

"Nah? Tell Seok-chan and Deok-hoon everything then."

"...At your service, milady."

"Hee-hee. Night, dummy."

"Yessum~."

"Pfft-haha. Seriously, careful. Fun night."

Her playful vibe drew his wry smile and wave.

"Ugh. Exhausted."

Booze hit; drowsiness flooded. Seo Joo-hwan trudged home through the drizzle.

Someone watched: Baek Jeong-gi, smoking while walking, blinked. "What? They dating?"

A week post-semester start. Today, Publishing Content department headed to MT.