Chapter 7
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: I Became a Married Woman at 18
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I love animals.
Especially pets like dogs or cats.
Just looking at them heals my heart, you know? Doesn't everyone feel that way?
Stroking their fluffy fur makes the day's fatigue melt away like snow.
Window-shopping for rings or necklaces wouldn't be bad either... but this is our first date, right?
So I wanted to spend it in a sweet, cozy way.
That's how I came up with the idea of an animal cafe.
The place Seo-rin suggested was on the 98th floor.
It used to be a pet shop, but they'd recently renovated the entire floor into an animal cafe. As soon as the elevator doors opened, a whole new world unfolded.
The cries of cute animals welcomed us.
"Seo-rin, there are so many cats over there. Let's go! Hurry, hurry!"
"...Yu-na, calm down. They're not going anywhere."
Shouldn't she at least play along at a time like this? If we're going to enjoy it together, she could show a little enthusiasm.
I ignored Seo-rin's attempts to stop me.
I strode purposefully toward my goal.
A small sigh came from behind me.
When I turned around, Seo-rin was looking at me with a displeased expression.
But in the end, she matched my pace with a resigned look. She came up beside me without a word.
What? She followed me anyway.
"Seo-rin, come here and look at this."
Startled by the footsteps or maybe out of curiosity, a white cat huddled in the corner peeked its head out.
The creature with snow-white fur and blue eyes cautiously approached us.
One step, two steps.
I held my breath and waited.
When the cat reached my feet...
Now!
I quickly bent down and scooped it up.
"So cute! Your eyes are sparkling."
The cat wriggled in my arms.
You little rascal.
Did you think I'd let you go?
I lifted the cat to my chest and met its gaze. The blue eyes stared up at me intently.
-Nyaaong
It let out a short meow and started licking my face. The rough texture of its tongue brushed my cheek and jaw.
"Ah, that tickles!"
Laughter burst out of me naturally.
Just this alone seemed to melt away all the stress I'd built up. Happiness really is right under your nose.
I hugged the cat tightly to my chest.
Its warm body heat seeped deep into me.
Still holding it, I turned to look around.
Standing like this was tiring on my legs, and I spotted a good spot... Ah, there it is.
A bench nearby caught my eye.
I supported the cat with one arm to keep it from slipping out.
I walked lightly toward the bench.
Every few steps, it squirmed in my arms. I gently stroked its back and whispered softly.
"It's okay, it's okay. I won't hurt you."
As I soothed it gently, I felt it relax little by little. I sat on the bench and carefully placed the cat on my lap.
It curled up into a ball right away.
Like a marshmallow.
I softly stroked its fur.
The fluffy texture transmitted through my fingertips.
Aah, I can feel the stress melting away in real time. This is true healing.
If I looked in a mirror right now, I'd probably have a silly grin on my face.
But how can I help it... My lips keep twitching upward. I can't resist cuteness.
"Like it? Should we take it home?"
Seo-rin sat down beside me and asked quietly.
"No, it's fine. Then we'd have less time together, right?"
A faint smile spread across Seo-rin's lips at my answer. Eh? What was that? Did she just blush?
She was trying hard to act nonchalant as she looked at me. But avoiding my gaze so obviously only made it more noticeable.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed.
She's weak to direct expressions.
She usually comes off as aggressive and strong, but she crumbles easily in the face of honest affection like this. That's part of her charm.
I barely held back my laughter.
I deliberately turned my gaze to the cat.
I didn't want to tease her too much and make her sulk.
At that moment, the cat suddenly stood up.
It happened in an instant.
It shook itself once and hopped off my lap with light steps.
I felt a pang of regret watching its white tail disappear into the distance.
Ah, already leaving...
I wanted to enjoy it a bit longer.
Hm? What's that? I felt a suspicious gaze and turned my head. Seo-rin was looking at me.
More precisely, at my lap and thighs. Weird. She doesn't have to sneak peeks.
...Wait, what? No way?
Something felt off...
Oh, so that's it. Why didn't you just say so?
Why were you just staring?
"If you want something, just say it honestly."
I smiled brightly and gently guided Seo-rin's head down.
Her body tilted downward without resistance.
Her black hair lightly touched my lap.
She's always catching me off guard with her sudden moves. Today, it's my turn.
Time to pay back everything she's done, one by one.
"Wait, Yu-na..."
Her face buried deeply into my thigh.
The flustered Seo-rin twisted and squirmed.
I quickly pressed down on her shoulders firmly.
No escaping.
This is what you wanted, right?
Behave.
I gripped her shoulders tightly.
"I said stay still."
Warm breath and ragged breathing spread over my thigh. The ticklish, hot sensation made my body twitch reflexively.
I tried to act calm and slowly stroked her hair.
A faint shampoo scent rose between my fingers.
Once, twice. Repeating the motion rhythmically.
Seo-rin's rough breaths gradually evened out.
Before long, the surroundings grew quiet.
Only faint laughter from other guests echoed from afar.
The head buried against me slowly turned toward me. I could sense her hesitation.
Her thoughtful expression looked adorable.
I nodded as if to say it was okay.
Then Seo-rin's hand cautiously reached up.
Like handling fragile treasure.
Her fingertips gently caressed my cheek.
I let her hand stay there.
Long enough for her to feel it fully, as much as she wanted.
"...You've got me, Yu-na."
"How is it? Give me your review."
"...I just like it. Your scent..."
"Lavender?"
"Not that. It's warm and cozy... Hard to describe."
With those final words, Seo-rin slowly closed her eyes. Soon, steady breathing followed.
Long, deep breaths.
She'd completely relaxed and fallen asleep.
How exhausted must she have been?
She must have been pushing herself where I couldn't see.
Obvious without even looking.
She'd probably pulled an all-nighter handling work for our date.
No matter how much makeup, she couldn't hide the dark circles under her eyes.
Did she think she could fool me?
It made me a bit annoyed, but my heart ached too.
"You idiot... You're such an idiot."
I gazed quietly at the soundly sleeping Seo-rin.
Her usual cold expression was gone.
Her relaxed face held a childlike innocence.
I watched her for a long while.
I'm probably the only one in the world who gets to see her like this. I glanced around discreetly.
The other guests were busy with their own animals. A couple laughing with a dog in their arms, people snapping cat photos.
No one paid us any mind.
I leaned in carefully.
White forehead peeking through black hair.
I gently pressed my lips to Seo-rin's forehead.
The warm, soft skin touched me.
"Sleep well."
I whispered softly and pulled back.
I hoped she'd have sweet dreams, even if just for a short time.
How much time had passed?
I stayed sitting without moving.
My legs were numb, but it was fine.
This much is nothing.
Not tiring at all.
...I said, not tiring.
The vibration of my phone broke the serene air.
Vrrr
Vrrr
Seo-rin's eyebrows twitched faintly.
As if waking from sleep, she frowned and slowly opened her eyes.
Her still-sleepy gaze scanned around before she suddenly sat up.
As her head lifted from my lap, I startled and straightened my posture too.
"Uh, um..."
Seo-rin fumbled in her pocket in confusion.
Urged by the persistent vibration, she pulled out her phone and checked the screen before immediately answering.
"Yes, this is Han Seo-rin."
Her voice was cold, but her expression hardened more and more.
What is it? Her face paled noticeably after the call. Worried she might be sick, I scrutinized her closely.
I placed a hand on her forehead.
Her temperature was normal.
Then why that look...?
"Understood. I'll look into it as quickly as possible."
Seo-rin hung up.
I watched her anxiously.
She stared blankly at her phone and let out a deep sigh.
"Seo-rin, what happened? Are you hurt?"
As I asked urgently, Seo-rin grabbed both my hands tightly. Then she slowly began explaining.
"Yu-na... Big trouble."
"Huh? What..."
"There's an important shoot today. A department store promo video..."
"Yeah, so?"
"The model got into a car accident."
"What?!"
I opened my eyes wide in shock.
"Can't you just replace her with someone else?"
"That's the problem."
Seo-rin shook her head with a troubled expression.
"We booked a famous director for this shoot, and his schedule is only open today... We have to wrap it up today. We're scrambling for another model, but I'm not sure if we can find one in time..."
Seo-rin's voice trailed off.
I felt her grip loosen, her eyes shaking with anxiety.
Normally, she'd handle this calmly...
But right now, she looked flustered.
Was there any way I could help?
In my panic, I looked around.
If there was someone who could model...
Maybe somewhere around here, or there, or...
That's when my gaze stopped.
My reflection in the full-length mirror on the wall.
Pink hair and sparkling pink eyes.
A girl with a radiant smile.
Why didn't I think of it sooner?
She was right in front of me.
I steeled my resolve.
I stepped up to Seo-rin and slowly opened my mouth.
"Seo-rin. I'll do it instead."
"Huh?"
Seo-rin looked at me blankly.
"I think I can fill in as that model."
"Yu-na..."
Seo-rin's eyes widened.
Her mouth parted slightly before closing again.
"It's okay. You don't have to push yourself; we'll find another way..."
"I want to help you."
I gripped her hand tightly.
"Isn't that what being married is? Helping each other when things get tough."
Seo-rin stared at me silently for a long time.
Her face mixed confusion, guilt, and gratitude.
Her lips moved a few times before she let out a small sigh.
"...You sure you're okay with this?"
"Yeah!"
"Promise you won't overdo it?"
"Of course."
Seo-rin nodded as if she had no choice. But her eyes held both relief and worry.
"Thank you, Yu-na. Really... I'm sorry."
She squeezed my hand.
"Tell me right away if it's too much. The set's on the 10th basement floor of the department store. We should head there now..."
"Then let's go!"
I smiled brightly and pulled Seo-rin to her feet.
I was excited, actually. That I could help.
And the anticipation of accomplishing something together with her.
As I pressed the elevator button, I made a silent vow. I'll do great. More than enough to justify her trust.
I had no idea back then.
What would happen if I went through with it.
That moment, which I thought was just one shoot...
Would become the turning point that upended my entire life. I never could have imagined it.