Sona Isn't a Pervert!
Sona's not a pervert, I swear! I headed out of the building with her. On the way, I glanced around. Now that I noticed, there were quite a few reporters there. It was intriguing. I asked in admiration,
"Huh, there are reporters here too?"
"Yeah. Not for me, though. For popular models, every minute and second is photo-worthy."
"Whoa, not even paparazzi."
"Legal paparazzi, maybe? That's why reporters can come and go freely anywhere."
"Really?"
Whoa, the reporter job suddenly seemed enviable. They could spout bullshit without getting sued. Spread rumors and only get flak for it. And with the excuse of writing articles, they could enter anywhere.
What is this, Kamen Rider Decade?
I'd uncovered something unexpected. It was shocking. Even for reporters, was it okay to let them roam that freely? I tilted my head.
Of course, it's probably only for verified ones. Still, though.
We stepped outside the building. Walking leisurely with her, I let out a yawn and propped my chin on my hand. I glanced at her sideways.
"Hm? What? You wanna do it?"
"N-no, it's not that!"
"Hehe, what're you denying? So cute♡"
"I mean, you said reporters can go anywhere."
"Oh, not just anyone. But yeah, models are kinda split on it."
That made sense. Privacy could get invaded, after all. Were reporters that aggressive? Letting them wander freely seemed off. Something clicked, so I asked,
"What about agency buildings?"
"Yeah. But only a handful are approved. Like six or so."
"Ah."
I thought for a moment and tilted my head. It felt like I'd heard something important. Was it just my imagination? No, this feeling was definite.
It's that sensation when you spot an opponent's weakness.
Suddenly, my view brightened. We'd reached the alley of eateries she'd led me to. It stretched endlessly ahead, lit by colorful signs and buzzing with energy. Crowds of people everywhere.
"Wow, so many people."
"Right? Even YouTubers come here a lot."
"So it's popular spots, huh."
"Yeah! Not cheap, though."
I chuckled. She had a knack for subtle burns when you least expected it. Even that was charming. I took in the surroundings for a while. Then my hand warmed up.
Huh?
She'd slyly taken my hand—just barely hooking her ring and pinky fingers, fidgeting nervously. I smiled at her and opened my hand.
"Huh?"
"Hehet."
I grinned and gripped her hand tight, enveloping it to keep her warm. She looked at me for a second, then bowed her head, ears turning red with shyness. Perfect chance to tease.
"Sis, what's up? You wanna?"
"N-no! What the heck!"
"I know. But your hand's so small and pretty."
"R-really?"
"Yeah. And warm."
"Yours too. Big and warm!"
We walked on in silence. Just this was enough. Felt like lovers. Nearby, students passed by—probably heading to snack spots after class. They spotted us and sighed.
"Whoa, college couple?"
"So jealous. We got CSAT in two days."
"They say we can do that once we're in college too. Let's hang in there!"
"What're you on about, idiot? Flunk your GPA for dating?"
She and I burst out laughing. We kept walking. Even these moments felt special. She whispered softly,
"This really feels like we're lovers."
"Yeah. We kinda are, for real."
"Huh? Uh, y-yeah. Hehe."
I looked at her. Our eyes met, and she whipped her head away. Her silver hair parted, revealing an ear that seemed to radiate heat. I toyed with it gently.
"Eek!"
"Feels good?"
"W-what suddenly, hn."
Hard to believe this was the same woman who'd been into exposure play just minutes ago. She pointed somewhere to escape the moment—a restaurant came into view.
"How about there?"
"Ooh, Chuncheon dakgalbi? Sounds good."
"Let's go!"
We entered together. Chuncheon dakgalbi—heard tons about it, first time trying. Best in the hometown, sure, but branches or copycats worked if you couldn't travel. "Whoa, packed."
Busier than expected. Was this the real deal? A middle-aged waitress approached with a friendly smile—it was ingrained in her.
"Seats upstairs too!"
"Phew, great. Thanks!"
We went up. Calmer than downstairs, but still decent crowd. Sat at an empty spot.
"Si-hyeok, dakgalbi, right?"
"Yep!"
"A-and booze?"
"Hell yeah. Hehit."
She ordered from the waitress. Booze was a must. I wiped my hands with the wet towel and waited amid the lively bustle. The human warmth made me smile.
If I hadn't gotten with Romi or her, I never would've had this.
That's why it meant so much. I'd been trapped in my own world until these women pulled me out.
Curious, I asked,
"You come here often?"
"First time, actually."
"Oh."
Surprising. Thought she'd been before. She glanced around cautiously, smiling as she set down the utensils, then shook her head.
"Heard a lot about it. Supposed to be good."
"Ah. Menu looks pricey, though."
"Yeah? But it's tasty, they say. Wanted to try once."
"Got it."
Couldn't resist then. If everywhere called it a hot spot, had to verify. She added softly,
"Especially if I got a boyfriend."
"Uh."
I froze. She finished with a beaming smile. So lovable. Coming here with me meant...
She really sees me as her boyfriend already!
My heart pounded like it would burst my ribs. Mouth dry, body heating up. I nodded slowly.
"H-ha."
"D-did that bother you?"
"No, opposite. If you're my girlfriend, hehe."
"Right? Hehit."
We scratched our heads, grinning at each other. Tempted to tease more. The waitress brought side dishes and left. I leaned in slyly.
"Any other spots you wanna hit with a boyfriend?"
"More?"
"Yeah. Maybe a motel? Open rooftop?"
"N-no, I said!"
She glared cutely. Whisper-yelled, then pouted sadly.
"I'm not a pervert!"
"I know, I know. Haha, adorable."
Pouting lips, but eyes smiling—she loved this. I reached out and stroked her hair. Moments like this, she seemed like a younger girl.
So mysterious.
Pervert to anyone else, but I wanted to see her differently. Food arrived.
"Ooh, here it is."
"Awesome!"
Finally, dakgalbi on the sizzling grill. The aroma was killer—hunger doubled.
"Models like you still do contests?"
Didn't they scout her everywhere with that look?
"This one's a famous brand. Isya or something."
"Ah."
Didn't know it. Fashion blind spot.
She smiled brightly.
"Wanna be a magazine model there."
Smiling, but seemed unsure. Who knows the future? Still, wanted to encourage.
"Don't be nervous."
"Huh?"
"You'll nail it. Brightest and prettiest."
She smiled sheepishly, shaking her head.
"But what if."
"To me, you're the best. Think that about yourself too."
"Hmm, can I?"
"Yes! Even if it's your fit, you shine plenty."
"Hehe."
"See? Lighting your own path right now. You're the best, sis. Whoa."
I finished warmly. She was the best to me. She stared blankly, cheeks flushing, then nodded.
"Thanks, babe."
"Yeah, girlfriend."
We burst laughing. Damn, gotta get used to it. We dug into the cooked dakgalbi. Spicy, melting goodness. Pricey, but worth the hype.
"Whoa, delicious. Whew."
"Right? Here, drink up."
"Yep! Down the hatch—gulp, glug glug glug!"
"Huhu, what're you doing♡"
We ate and drank freely, savoring the moment. Midway, she hesitated, glancing at me. What was up?
"Sis, what's wrong?"
"Uh, that."
"Hm?"
"Wanna take a pic? Just... wanna."
Impressed. A restaurant she wanted to visit with her boyfriend—and snapping a photo here?
Peak boyfriend move.
I nodded. No reason not to.
"Sure!"
"Hee, okay."
She pulled out her phone. I sidled up—her scent softly tickled my nose. Friendly smile.
"Ready? Smile!"
"Yeah!"
Click!
She beamed at the pic, genuinely happy—like a kid with a Christmas gift. From across, I asked,
"That happy?"
"Yeah! With my boyfriend. Oh, but... my face too big?"
"Nah, you're gorgeous. No filter needed."
"Hehe, really? Let's eat more."
"Yeah. And drink! Glug glug!"
"Okay, glug glug♡"
Her gentle eye-smile. We chatted idly, eating and drinking. Time felt special. Few stories to share, but I told MMA episodes. She laughed happily each time. Curious.
That happy? And no more exposure stuff.
Pure lovey-dovey girlfriend mode. Was this her true self? I smiled softly. Mood rising, buckwheat noodles arrived.
"Ooh, makguksu! Nice!"
"Hee, looks tasty!"
We polished off the makguksu too. Killer finish. As she emptied the bowl, she marveled,
"Everything here's good, huh?"
"Yeah."
"This makguksu especially. Total kick!"
"Haha. Yep, kick!"
Full and buzzed, we left. She stretched.
"That was great! Right?"
"Yeah."
She checked her phone—group chat, seemed like. Peeking, a familiar name. Recalled.
"Sis, that group chat just models?"
"No. A few reporters too. Why?"
Then it hit. That earlier unease. Puzzle complete.
"I think I know who the stalker is."
"What?!"
I gave wide-eyed her a soft eye-smile.