Chapter 6
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: I Became a Married Woman at 18 [06]
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After all sorts of twists and turns, the weekend finally arrived.
I can't even begin to describe how much I'd been longing for this moment of peace for my heart.
...Really, every day had flown by in a whirlwind.
Just when one issue seemed resolved, another new problem would inevitably pop up without fail.
Adapting to the relationships around me that were gradually changing wasn't easy either. But I overcame it all.
It was a victory worthy of humanity itself.
Isn't Sung Yu-na amazing and admirable?
Even I could hardly believe it myself.
I wish people would stop treating me like a fragile princess locked away in a birdcage.
I'm an adult now, too.
I woke up early in the morning, finished my bath, and felt much lighter. Standing in front of the mirror, I slowly ran a comb through my hair.
The pink strands, still damp, glided smoothly between the teeth of the comb.
"Hee hee hee hum♪"
I poured some body lotion into my palm and carefully applied it to my arms and legs.
A soft fragrance brushed past my nose. It felt refreshing, spreading through my whole body. I'd chosen lavender today on a whim, and it was better than expected.
"Hmm~ What should I wear today♪ This one?"
Humming a cheerful tune, I headed to the closet with a joyful heart.
I pulled out a white blouse and a black skirt. I added some sparkling accessories and a beret, then slipped on cute furry boots to emphasize the charm.
It might get chilly, so I should grab a cardigan too, right?
Once dressed, I stood in front of the mirror.
I spun around, checking every angle.
Is the skirt length just right? Is the blouse wrinkle-free?
Are the accessories too much?
Yes, perfect!
Why am I so excited today?
This is my first date ever, across both my past and present lives. Of course I'm thrilled. I barely slept last night, tossing and turning.
I worried staying up would ruin my skin, but thankfully, my reflection looked fine. Phew, what a relief.
I went back to the mirror and spritzed on Seo-rin's favorite perfume on my wrists and the nape of my neck.
For makeup, I kept it light and cute rather than mature. Seo-rin would prefer this.
Looking at myself in the mirror, a smile spread across my lips automatically. Alright, all set.
Today, we're going to the department store that Seo-rin runs. Truth be told, I was curious. It's the place she puts so much effort into managing.
There are plenty of flashy date spots like amusement parks or zoos, but she chose the department store for a reason. I wanted to see Seo-rin's daily life that I didn't know about.
We're married, after all.
The more we share, the better.
I don't know much about management or complicated stuff.
But I can comfort her when she's struggling or empathize. I believe just cheering her on can give her strength.
I slung my black crossbody bag over my shoulder and headed to the front door. Time to go meet her.
Oh, right.
I should say goodbye before leaving.
I don't want to make them worry.
"I'm off! I'll call later."
"Yu-na, take care. Don't forget to call."
After greeting my parents, I stepped outside.
Warm sunlight caressed my face.
My feet naturally led me to the parking lot.
I recalled her words: she'd send someone, so come comfortably.
Arriving at the parking lot, I spotted a woman in a suit standing by a black car.
The moment she saw me, she bowed politely in greeting.
"Miss Sung Yu-na, hello. President Han Seo-rin sent me."
"Ah, yes. Thank you for your trouble."
I smiled lightly in return.
As I got in the car, the scenery outside the window rushed by.
I already missed seeing Seo-rin's face.
I wonder what she'll say about my outfit.
I hope she likes it.
I tried to calm my pounding heart.
This is my first date in life. Time to enjoy it to the fullest.
The moment I stepped out of the car, I looked up.
...Wow.
It's enormous.
The building's top was nowhere in sight.
Its height exceeded a thousand meters, with a staggering 160 floors. It was so overwhelming my jaw dropped.
I remembered Seo-rin saying it casually before.
"Yeah, Grandpa gave it to me as a birthday present."
To give his granddaughter a colossal department store like this for her birthday— their wealth was terrifying.
As a kid, I'd just let it slide, but seeing it in person now, it didn't feel real.
Entering such a family as a daughter-in-law... would I be okay? A chill settled in my chest.
Honestly speaking...
I'm a little—no, quite scared.
Nothing like the dramas from my past life, right? No harassment from the in-laws, no looking down on me...
They won't force us to break up, will they?
All sorts of worries flashed through my mind.
But those fears quickly lost meaning.
There, at the front of the building, was a familiar silhouette.
Long straight hair cascaded down her back.
Proud eyes gazing only at me from the midst of solitary darkness. My beloved partner, who promised to spend her life with me.
The instant I saw that face...
All my previous worries and anxieties melted away like snow. My heart warmed tenderly.
As expected, just seeing her makes everything okay.
They call this rose-tinted glasses?
The funny thing is, I can't deny it at all.
My steps quickened on their own.
I couldn't hold back anymore.
I threw myself straight into her arms.
The scent of someone who spends hours amid documents and bookshelves. A calm, subtle paper fragrance like an old library tickled my nose.
"Seo-rin, hi. Have a good day. Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah. My wife's such a spoiled one today, too."
"What? Don't like a clingy wife? Should I be cold instead?"
"I'm kidding. Hmm? This scent..."
"It's your favorite. What do you think? Nice, right?"
I stepped closer, holding out my wrist right under her nose.
"Here, smell it better."
Seo-rin hesitated, then carefully lowered her head to my wrist.
Her pupils trembled as she inhaled. Her gaze traveled from my wrist to my nape, then up to my eyes.
"What do you think? Like it?"
I grinned innocently, and she clenched her fist. Good, she loves it.
We've been childhood friends for over ten years. I know exactly what she likes and dislikes.
We'll be together all day, so of course...
Seo-rin? Your eyes look scary?
Calm down a bit?
Getting excited this fast is a little...
"Yu-na, you have a real talent for this."
She suddenly leaned in close.
Her gaze, her eyes, fixed on my face and nape.
I should stop her. I need to block her.
But I was one step too late.
Her gentle fingers threaded carefully through my hair.
Warmth from her fingertips seeped into my scalp. Her hand slid behind my ear, down to my nape.
My breathing quieted.
A shiver ran through my entire body.
Her lips brushed lightly against my nape.
"W-Wait! People are watching!"
Seo-rin buried her face in my chest.
Then slowly rubbed her cheek side to side.
Like a cat acting cute with its owner.
Her soft sigh and body heat transmitted through my clothes. My face flushed red. My whole body tingled.
"That tickles... Seo-rin, stop..."
I lightly tapped her shoulder with a whiny voice.
"...It's hard to hold back. Can't I kiss you?"
Her upturned eyes were so pitiful. What was this feeling? Was it that maternal instinct I'd only heard about?
With an expression like that...
Reason screaming to refuse clashed fiercely with instinct urging me to hold her.
No, can't give in. Things will escalate here. My resolve wavered, but I held on.
"No. Today's a date."
"Fine. You'll pay later."
I barely reined in Seo-rin and linked arms with her as we entered the building.
The date hadn't even started, and I was already tired. But it was a good kind of tired. I actually felt great.
Walking arm-in-arm like this was convenient in so many ways.
Easy to match steps, and feel each other's warmth up close.
Her body heat traveled through my arm.
My heart thumped wildly. It felt like my chest might burst. This emotion was new in both my past and present lives.
I tilted my head up to look at her, flashing a playful smile. My neck ached a bit from the height difference, but wasn't that cute too?
"Best escort service, please, dear husband."
I said it in a voice full of mischief.
The corner of Seo-rin's mouth twitched up.
She pulled me closer with a firm grip on my arm and replied in a low voice.
"...Leave it to me."
Those words made my heart race.
Ah, really... what is she doing to me.
Why does it make me so giddy? Even I'm amazed.
"Whoa, it's so glamorous."
Entering the lobby, a dazzling chandelier caught my eye.
The marble floor gleamed like a mirror, and potted plants scattered around gave off a faint floral scent.
To think the person managing all this was right beside me—it made me proud somehow.
"Seo-rin, this place is amazing."
"Yeah? You like it?"
"Yes! I can tell so much thought went into it."
I saw her ears turn slightly red.
No use hiding it.
I know she's weak to compliments.
Expect payback. I'll get revenge for that earlier embarrassment.
As the two entered the building arm-in-arm, the eyes of the staff waiting in the lobby turned toward them all at once.
"I-Is that... our president?"
"What was that expression just now? She was following like a puppy."
One female employee covered her mouth and whispered softly. Her colleague beside her blushed and fanned her face.
"Insane, seriously. Her image is totally different. First time seeing the president act cute like that. She's usually so cold and expressionless."
"Right? She turned into a whole different person. And the missus's voice is so cute—calling her 'dear husband' made even my heart flutter."
A middle-aged male section chief nodded with a pleased smile.
"What a sight. We might hear wedding bells for the second generation soon."
"Come on, sir! Isn't that too soon? They're still students."
"Still, having someone they love that much is enviable..."
One female employee murmured with a sigh.
The other staff nodded in agreement.
"I want a love like that too..."
"Did you see that kiss on her nape? My heart nearly exploded."
"You're not alone! It was straight out of a romance movie."
"Hey, are we even allowed to watch this? Kinda embarrassing."
"We have to sneak peeks. It's a once-in-a-lifetime scene—miss it and regret forever."
The employees exchanged glances and giggled.
"The president looks so happy today. Her face is melting."
"Must be thanks to the missus. First time seeing her smile like that."
The remaining staff watched the pair's retreating figures for a good while.