Chapter 20
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: At 18, Off to the Family Meeting [05]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The party hall was exactly as I'd imagined. Lights cascading from the decorations. A sparkling white marble floor. And people dressed in lavish outfits to top it all off.
On top of that, musicians gripped their instruments, weaving out melodies. It was gentle classical music. Just sitting there listening to it felt like it could soothe the soul.
Dramas and movies hadn't been exaggerating after all.
It felt surreal that I was in a place like this.
The atmosphere, serene for so long, gradually heated up as time wore on.
The crisp clink of champagne glasses occasionally mingled in. I glanced around, my eyes drifting toward the tables.
Groups of people were chatting casually, sharing bits of their daily lives. I didn't know many faces, so I felt like I was floating all alone. Seo-rin was the only one I could lean on.
That was when it happened.
Gazes started flying my way from all directions.
Were they aimed at me...?
Or at Seo-rin? I couldn't tell.
Probably both.
Those stares felt like they were brushing against my skin.
Is something wrong with my outfit?
Or do they all just not like me?
My body instinctively shrank back.
Just in case, I straightened my posture unnecessarily.
My mind was a whirlwind of confusion.
I wanted to bolt right then and there.
But I couldn't.
Because Seo-rin was gripping my hand tightly. She didn't say a word, but I knew.
It's okay. She's watching over me.
No need to be scared.
It was like she was comforting me without words.
That's how I managed to hold on.
"The guests of honor! Come on in. And you must be the one from the rumors..."
It was a woman whose eyes resembled Seo-rin's.
From her looks alone, I couldn't guess her age.
This world was similar to my previous life, yet different.
Life sciences had advanced to an astonishing level. Barring accidents or natural disasters, people barely died anymore.
Instead, birth rates plummeted year after year. Even my parents, who brought me into the world, were over 200 years old...
If you called it fantasy, it was a fantastical world indeed.
"It's been a while, Aunt. This is the woman I'm going to marry."
"H-Hello. I'm Sung Yu-na."
Her words sent a ripple through the crowd around us.
That murmur made my heart uneasy.
...Please, let nothing go wrong.
"Oh my, it's true? I've only seen pictures!"
"...Pink hair for real. Just like Grandfather said. And such a cute face."
"Never thought the youngest would tie the knot so soon."
In an instant, people swarmed us.
A burly man, someone with a deep voice, another with a hearty laugh. All their eyes were on us.
Their expressions varied, but those gazes were uniformly warm. What a relief. They like me. I let out a quiet sigh, a natural smile forming.
Still, no letting my guard down.
Who knows what might happen.
"Thank you. I'm not worthy of such praise..."
"Oh, no need to be so formal."
"...Ah, yes. Thank you."
"So, how did you two meet? She won't spill a word. Seo-rin's so tight-lipped, it's frustrating."
Her wide-eyed question made her seem almost childlike. How should I answer? Where do I even start? My vision blurred.
Countless eyes turned to me.
My mouth wouldn't open easily.
I didn't know where to look.
I fiddled with the sleeve of my dress instead.
I glanced sideways.
Seo-rin, a little help here?
"Well... I..."
"We've known each other since we were kids."
Seo-rin chimed in quietly from beside me.
"Since childhood...? First love, then?"
"Yes. The moment I saw her, I decided. No matter what, she'd be mine."
It was a short, matter-of-fact reply.
She said it so casually, but...
Why did those words stick in my ears like that?
My heart suddenly raced, heat rising to my face. It wasn't even summer yet. Why was my body so hot? I needed a cold drink.
"How romantic. I had days like that once..."
Chatter erupted from all sides.
I quietly lowered my gaze.
They're all genuinely congratulating us, but...
Seo-rin, you don't have to share every detail.
You don't need to tell them everything.
"How was the proposal? Did the bride-to-be pop the question first?"
"Seo-rin did."
It was the truth, so I answered honestly.
"Knew it! That's so her."
"How'd she do it? Was there a ring?"
"The youngest pulling that off? Unexpected."
Questions poured in endlessly.
You could hide your age, but not the years you'd lived, it seemed.
"Can't believe the little one's all grown up."
"...Uncle, that hurts."
The burly man chuckled heartily and patted Seo-rin's back. She furrowed her brow slightly but didn't pull away.
I took the chance to slip back a step.
I moved slowly, carefully so no one would notice. Please don't let them spot me.
I quietly slipped behind her back.
"Yu-na."
Seo-rin called my name shortly.
"...This spot's more comfortable."
"You won't come out?"
"No way. Safest here."
I whispered low, gently clutching the hem of her dress. I must look ridiculous all huddled up, but that wasn't the issue right now.
I had no strength left to keep going. Just standing here had been effort enough. I pouted, resting my forehead lightly against her back.
It's cool. The heat's easing a bit.
"I want to brag about you more."
"Can't do more."
I shot back, but had no intention of stepping out.
If anything, I pressed closer.
No letting go, no matter what. Laughter bubbled up from around us at the sight. I wanted to crawl into a hole.
"They match so perfectly, like a matched pair."
"Oh my, so fresh and sweet."
They say other people's love stories are the most entertaining. Tales from their own pasts started spilling out, drawing parallels to us.
"Graduating this year, right? What's next?"
We'd been chatting for a while when the topic shifted.
Thank goodness. I sighed in relief.
"Planning to run the company Grandfather gave me. Profits are looking good."
"Kids? Given it any thought?"
I froze, still hidden behind her.
Kids? We're still newlyweds...
Can't we push that off for later?
These days, people have them later anyway.
"We'll take our time."
Seo-rin replied calmly.
A soft chuckle escaped nearby.
"I can't wait to meet my niece or nephew."
"Look at your mother—she could handle ten easy."
"So, how many are you thinking, bride-to-be?"
The arrow swung back to me.
Heat surged through me, ears burning. What should I say?
"Uh, haven't thought about it yet."
"Come on, you've pictured one or two at least."
"Feels too far off. Not sure."
I barely squeezed out the words.
"But if they come, I'd cherish them."
Silence hung for a moment.
Before it could fade, exclamations burst out.
"Oh, too cute!"
"Seo-rin, good pick."
"Anything you want, just say the word."
Giggling laughter spread far and wide.
So embarrassing. No place to hide anywhere?
As I scanned around...
Seo-rin silently covered the back of my hand with hers.
Right. Let's tough this out together.
With her, it'll be okay.
The heat in the party hall was starting to overwhelm me.
Laughter, clinking glasses.
My mind reached saturation from the endless fragments of conversation.
I whispered to Seo-rin that I'd step out for some air. I'd be right back, no worries.
The corridor I reached was quiet. My heels echoed sharply on the marble floor.
The further from the hall, the fainter the noise grew.
Was it the release of tension?
I felt the strength draining from my shoulders bit by bit.
Finally, I could breathe. Who knew a short breather would feel this precious?
The lounge was deep down the corridor. Pushing the door open, a low sofa by the window caught my eye.
Beyond the glass, the vast sea rolled with waves. Maybe rest here a bit before heading back.
But someone was leaning against that window. Who? My feet carried me toward her without thinking.
Bright brown wavy hair, brown dress.
Her white legs peeked out, glinting in the light, shoulders small and delicate.
It all felt strangely familiar. Especially those brown eyes and gentle gaze—they were unmistakably...
She turned, revealing her face.
My mouth snapped shut at the unexpected encounter.
...Jung Da-hye. I couldn't believe she was here.
If she's invited here, does that mean she's close to Seo-rin? As confusion flustered me, Da-hye spoke first.
"Sunbae. Surprised?"
Her voice was low and soft.
Her eyes scanned me.
From top to bottom. Slowly, without rush...
Over the entire dress, then up again.
And stopped.
"...That dress."
"Feels awkward, right?"
"No. It suits you perfectly."
Da-hye peeled away from the window frame.
One step, two. She approached, locking eyes with mine. The distance closed steadily.
She'll stop at some point.
But her steps showed no sign of halting.
A bad premonition stirred from her momentum.
I instinctively stepped back half a pace.
Palm slick with sweat. Then my back hit the wall. What now? What should I do?
"D-Da-hye."
"Hold on."
Da-hye's gaze lingered on the dress.
Down to my chest, over my legs, slowly up to my face. Her cheeks flushed faint pink.
"Part of me wants to pounce on you right now, Sunbae."
Dangerous.
Need to get out of here fast...
"...Da-hye, calm down."
"Your reactions are adorable. Are you tempting me?"
No sooner had she spoken than her arms shot out.
Palms slammed against the walls on either side.
Trapped completely. No escape.
This is bad. If this goes on...
"Wait, you're serious?"
"Always serious. With you, at least."
I twisted sideways. Useless.
I felt strength in her arms.
The more I struggled, the closer she got.
So near our skin nearly touched...
Close enough to hear each other's breaths.
"S-If Seo-rin finds out..."
"She will. So what?"
I froze against the wall.
She stayed like that, silent for a while. Just staring. Calmly, for what felt like forever.
Ten minutes? Twenty? How long was it?
Da-hye slowly withdrew her arms.
"That's all for now. See you later. Oh, right—that dress looks amazing on you."
Da-hye turned back once at the door, leisurely.
Our eyes met, she smiled, and sauntered away. What was that? Did I just get wall-slammed? My head spun in chaos.
My legs trembled, and I collapsed to the floor. I stayed rooted there, unable to move for a while.
Hand on the floor, I slowly drew in a breath.
My heart still pounded wildly, out of rhythm.
Couldn't stay like this forever. Calm down.
I fussed with my disheveled hair, barely regaining my senses. My shaky legs steadied gradually.
I trudged down the corridor.
Too late. Seo-rin would worry.
But then I bumped into a familiar silhouette.
Black dress, flowing long hair.
Under the lights stood Seo-rin.
Her expression was different from usual.
All emotions wiped clean.
Impossible to read.
"Why'd it take so long?"
"Just... looking around..."
Seo-rin's eyes narrowed.
Her gaze said she wasn't listening to my excuse.
From my face to my neck, shoulders, down to my fingertips. Slowly, thoroughly, like inspecting for something. After a long moment...
"You smell like someone else."
Her voice was low and even.
Devoid of emotion, which made it all the chillier.
"I-It was just a quick run-in..."
She knelt right there.
In an instant. Her hand lifted the hem of my skirt. Wait, what are you doing here?!
I tried to stop her desperately, but it was futile.
She grabbed my wrist. Then, toward my thigh exposed above the lace stockings...
Cool, slender fingers touched.
She didn't stop. Crimson lips pressed gently onto my pale skin.
"Mm... Ngh."
I swallowed the sound that escaped.
Back against the corridor wall. Legs went weak. About to collapse, my hand groped the air.
"S-Seo-rin. This is..."
No reply.
Her lips moved slowly over my thigh.
Lingering, then pressing again...
My breaths grew shallow.
I hunched my shoulders, but it did nothing.
Her knee straightened, face burrowing toward my neck.
The bite sinking into flesh. Sharp sting.
A light nip at the end.
"...!"
I clamped my mouth shut in panic. The corridor seemed empty, but anyone could pass by. Had to endure. No matter what.
I pushed her shoulders with both hands, but she didn't budge. If anything, she pressed in closer.
This has to stop.
I thrashed desperately.
"Ow, it hurts...!"
Only then did she pull away.
Seo-rin stood, meeting my eyes.
Dark, deep eyes. Anger? Something else? Couldn't tell.
Her fingers lightly brushed my shoulder. The spot she'd just bitten.
"Next time, go with me. Don't wander alone."
Her voice was low and quiet.
Her hand slid from my shoulder to encircle my wrist.
It was cold. No sign of letting go.
I couldn't say a word.
No place to hide my flushed ears, no way to calm my racing heart. I just stood there, staring at our joined hands.