Chapter 19
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: At 18, Off to the Family Meeting [04]
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Ugh. My stomach was churning.
As soon as we arrived at the harbor, I bolted straight for the bathroom. Helicopters really have the worst ride imaginable.
The shaking was bad enough, but what terrified me was the vast blue sky stretching out beyond the glass window. Was this what acrophobia felt like? Cold sweat poured down, and my head spun dizzily. I'm never riding one again. Ugh...
All I could manage the whole way there was to cling desperately to Seo-rin. She watched me quietly the entire time, a smile playing on her lips.
Staring at her like that somehow irritated me. Part of me wanted to snap at her. You're smiling right now!? I'm dying here.
But all I could do was squeeze my eyes shut. I just hated how pathetic I felt. Just you wait... I'll get revenge for this someday...
Anyway, after enduring all sorts of ordeals, I finally made it inside the bathroom. I tidied my disheveled hair and looked in the mirror.
My pale complexion was gradually regaining some life.
Vomiting my guts out must have helped.
By now...
Everyone's probably changed into their party outfits, right?
I need to hurry and get changed too.
First, I should touch up my makeup.
I must have sweated a ton in the helicopter...
My face was a total mess. It's been bothering me for a while, so let's just fix it up lightly.
After finishing up, I stepped out of the bathroom.
A fierce wind slapped my cheeks.
Mixed in with it was the distinctive scent of seaweed. I paused for a moment and gazed at the scene before me.
Transparent turquoise waves stretched endlessly toward the horizon. It was beautiful. The sparkling surface looked like an emerald jewel.
And floating lightly atop those waters was a massive white yacht. Is that where the party's being held? My heart raced just looking at it.
It must be incredibly luxurious.
For now, though, time to handle the urgent stuff.
They said they reserved a nearby clothing store.
Wonder where it is.
I glanced around. Maybe over there?
I spotted a familiar black car and the guards posted around it. Let's check it out. Not wanting to waste more time, I quickened my pace. Everyone's probably waiting.
The guards stepped aside as soon as they saw my face. Good, this is the right place. I won't be late.
Just as I was about to enter the store, I noticed a man leaning against the railing. Huh? That face looks familiar...
White hair and deeply set black eyes.
A man impeccably dressed in a suit was approaching me.
Ah...! I remembered who he was.
He still looks so young.
I'd met him when I was little, and he hadn't changed a bit. Overjoyed, I waved and called out.
"Grandpa! Long time no see. Remember me? It's Yu-na."
"Of course I do. The tomboy kid's grown up so much. Congratulations on your marriage."
"Thank you. But Grandpa, I heard you were bragging about our wedding everywhere... Is that true?"
"Ahem. It's this old man's only source of entertainment."
He said it so boldly that I was left speechless.
This side of him is just like before, too.
Was it around the time I was in kindergarten?
I'd made him a carnation as a gift. It was so crooked it barely qualified as a flower...
I never dreamed he'd wear it proudly everywhere. For some reason, even back then, he doted on me especially.
Maybe because I was always with Seo-rin?
I still wonder about that.
"Grandpa...! The whole school's buzzing with rumors now!"
"Tsk tsk. Young folks these days have such loose lips. What a problem."
"...Sigh. I can't survive with you around, Grandpa. Please tone it down next time."
"You have to suffer when you're young to appreciate it later. It'll all be fond memories in time."
I think he's over 300 years old.
Grandpa had this habit of saying he'd tried everything the world had to offer, so now he was making new things himself. I heard he's even venturing into the space industry these days.
As I stared at him blankly, Grandpa slowly stroked my head.
Then he turned toward the yacht.
"See you at the party venue."
"Yeah. See you soon."
I watched his retreating figure grow distant.
By the time he vanished from sight...
I stepped inside the store.
Warm lighting greeted me as I entered the store. The first thing that caught my eye were the outfits neatly displayed on the racks.
Every single one was flashy and luxurious.
Having never been in a place like this, I had no idea where to start. As I floundered around, a young female clerk approached.
"Welcome. You're Miss Sung Yu-na, right?"
"Yes, that's me."
"We've been expecting you. Everything's ready. This way, please?"
Following the clerk's guidance, I headed further inside.
It was a separate, spacious, and quiet area.
A large full-length mirror stood in the center, reflecting me. Where are the clothes? As I scanned the room, my eyes stopped.
Is that it? The outfit for me?
...But is this really okay?
It was a white dress with thin spaghetti straps.
The skirt hem and delicate lace trim caught my eye. It looked like something an actress would wear to a year-end awards show—glamorous. Beautiful, sure, but the exposure was the issue.
"This... is what I'm wearing today?"
"Yes, exactly. Miss Han Seo-rin picked it out herself. It's a popular item right now. Limited edition, so it was hard to get."
Seo-rin chose it?
I looked over the dress again.
The straps were thread-thin.
The back was largely exposed, and the front plunged deep at the chest. The skirt hit just above the knees. It was flawless.
If it weren't for me wearing it.
Is it really okay to go out in this...
Isn't it too provocative?
"...This is really a party dress, right?"
"Of course."
The clerk smiled softly and continued.
"The lace embroidery on the skirt hem is the highlight of this dress. It sparkles under the lights, so it'll look perfect at the party."
"...I see."
I responded, but my inner thoughts were different.
Can I really wear this?
Showing off my chest like this?
On top of that, she laid out sheer stockings, lace gloves, low-heeled white shoes, and a beige clutch on the table one by one.
The clutch contained pink lipstick and perfume.
"Lipstick and perfume are included too. They're great finishing touches."
"...You've prepared everything so thoughtfully."
I forced down my twitching lips.
Truth be told, I was a bit curious inside.
I'd been looking forward to seeing what outfit they'd picked. But I never expected this...
Will I have to get used to things like this from now on?
This is tough. So tough.
"Let me show you to the fitting room."
I followed the clerk into the fitting room.
I drew the curtain and was alone. I let out a deep breath. No choice. Gotta wear it.
First, I took off my jacket and hung it aside.
I unbuttoned my blouse one by one. Then I removed my jeans and folded them neatly.
Carefully, I slipped the dress over my head. The soft fabric enveloped my body, and I adjusted the straps and smoothed it down.
My fingers trembled slightly as I tied the back laces.
Why am I shaking over this...
Finally, I put on the sheer stockings and lace gloves, slipped into the white shoes, and opened the lipstick.
It was pink.
Matches my hair color.
A small smile crept onto my face.
I applied it carefully to my lips.
A spritz of perfume on my wrists and behind my ears.
Now to see.
I stepped out from behind the curtain.
I stood before the full-length mirror.
"..."
Words failed me.
The reflection felt unfamiliar.
Like it wasn't me.
The white dress shimmered like stars under the light. The lace hem swayed gently. My leg line stood out sharply above the sheer stockings. And the chest area...
My face heated up.
Hotness bloomed in my cheeks.
Is the heat on or something?
Calm down, Sung Yu-na. It'll be fine. But I couldn't stop my ears from turning red.
The clerk, who had been watching quietly from the side, spoke up.
"It suits you perfectly."
"...You think so?"
"Yes, really. The lace lines your figure just right. The shoulder line is pretty, and the overall silhouette is so natural. Miss Han Seo-rin chose well."
The more praise she heaped on, the harder it was to lift my head.
"...Seo-rin will be happy to hear that."
I fiddled with the hem to hide my embarrassment.
It's just for today anyway. Once in a while can't hurt. Actually, I'm kinda looking forward to Seo-rin's reaction...
"Thank you. You helped me get it on right."
I thanked the clerk and left the store.
A sea breeze blew in from the harbor.
The dress hem fluttered.
The white yacht still floated in the distance, bathed in sunlight. Time to head there.
I turned my steps toward the yacht.
I glanced around.
They said only close family was invited...
But there were quite a few people.
Men in suits, women in glamorous dresses. Where did they all learn to walk so elegantly?
I felt awkwardly out of place, so my steps grew cautious. Hope I don't look weird. Being alone makes me stand out more. Where is everyone?
The dress hem swayed in the wind.
With so much skin exposed...
It felt a bit chilly. Should've brought an outer layer.
Wonder where Seo-rin is.
She said she arrived first.
I turned my head this way and that as I walked.
Railing area, entrance, up the stairs—I scanned everywhere. There. Found her.
A figure leaning on the metal railing caught my eye. I started to run over happily but froze in place.
Black hair.
Long hair fluttering in the sea breeze.
Beneath it, a jet-black dress gleamed assertively in the sunlight. Her profile gazing at the sky seemed otherworldly.
Seo-rin stood there.
A black dress that fully exposed her shoulders.
Like mine, it plunged deep at the chest, and the fabric crossed once at the waist, hugging her curves perfectly.
The skirt draped long on one side. The other slit wide, dazzlingly revealing her thigh.
Below, sheer stockings and lace adorned her legs and feet. From head to toe, all black.
It contrasted perfectly with my white dress. Stunning. Like a goddess of the night.
Nothing else came to mind.
The sea breeze tossed her dress hem and hair together. It reminded me of a single framed photo in a gallery.
How long had I been staring?
Seo-rin turned her head.
Our eyes met head-on.
Her eyes widened slightly.
She seemed to freeze upon seeing me.
Her expression said something...
Unthinkingly, I lightly gripped my dress hem.
We said nothing to each other.
Just looked. For a few seconds.
Seo-rin spoke first.
"...It suits you."
A short, calm remark.
But her earlobes were flushed red.
Mine too. We matched perfectly.
We both burst into laughter at the sight.
"...You too."
After replying, I turned my head aside.
I fixed my gaze on the horizon to avoid detection. Blue sea filled my view, but I saw nothing.
What am I doing right now?
Calm down. Settle my heart.
As I pressed my cheek with the back of my hand, Seo-rin strode over and pulled me into a tight hug.
"W-Wait."
No time to react.
From behind, she wrapped her arms firmly around my waist. Skin met skin. Our scents mingled, brushing my nose.
"There are people around."
"I know."
"Then why?"
"Just wanted to hold you."
I squirmed to escape, but it was futile.
Her arms only tightened.
I couldn't budge. Completely pinned.
Seo-rin rested her chin lightly on my shoulder in that position. Her solid weight and body heat pressed in.
"Look, people are watching."
"So what."
"It's embarrassing."
"It's fine. They won't know."
Doesn't she have zero self-control?
Knowing resistance was pointless, I still lifted my arms slightly.
"...We'll be late."
"Just a little."
"How little is a little?"
No answer.
We stayed like that for a while. The wind blew.
The dress hems fluttered.
People nearby were glancing over, but...
Strangely, I minded less and less.
No helping it. Time to give in and accept.
We held each other like that for a while.
Time felt both short and long.
Eventually, Seo-rin slowly released her arms.
Then she stood beside me.
"Let's go."
"...Yeah."
Our hands clasped tightly as we moved forward.
The massive white yacht loomed before us.
Lights began flickering on across the deck.
One step. One step. As we approached through the crowd, laughter rang out.