A New Beginning (5): The Makeover and Jealous Sisters
One week before Christmas. In that time, the bond between the sisters and Lee Seojin gradually grew stronger. It wasn't like they were overflowing with affection or anything special, but he was the man who had saved them from their hellish lives, and they'd be living together from now on, so their relationship naturally deepened a little.
The sisters also took steps forward, bit by bit. They reduced their fear of the world and healed their wounds. They moved ahead one step at a time, determined not to be chained to the darkness of their past selves anymore.
But even amid all this, there was one major obstacle. It was the promise Lee Seojin had made with Han Sujung for Christmas Day.
The department store was bustling with people. Families, couples, friends... but the highest proportion by far were lovers. A quick glance around revealed several pairs arm-in-arm, gazing affectionately at each other and chatting sweetly.
Maybe that's why, as they walked now with arms linked, Seojin couldn't help but feel like he and Han Sujung looked like a couple.
"There's a shop inside the department store like this? That's unique."
"Yeah. You've never been to one before?"
"Nah... You know how I was living until a couple months ago."
"Ahem. Well, since you've been living like a shut-in cut off from society, hyung... I get it. Anyway, to sum it up briefly—"
Han Sujung cleared her throat and began explaining the department store. Most of them were tailored to superhumans these days. They stocked weapons and armor for superhumans, elixirs and accessories that amplified physical abilities or mana. They even had dedicated facilities for superhumans—and the place they were heading was one of them. Of course, there were plenty of spots open to regular people too. But with superhumans making up the majority now, everything had shifted to accommodate them.
In his previous life, Seojin had almost never come to places like this, so it felt a bit novel.
"Hmm... so basically, department stores are like all-purpose junk shops?"
"...You really pick your metaphors. Anyway, now that I've explained, let's properly browse around!"
"Yeah...? Where to?"
As Seojin looked at her quizzically, a bright smile spread across Han Sujung's lips. She leaned forward a bit, adding a playful sidelong glance.
"Obviously, we're sightseeing the department store. I came a little early knowing this would happen. Food after the mountain view, right? Let's grab something to eat!"
"Whoa, wait a sec!?"
Seojin was pulled along by Han Sujung's vigorous steps.
Meanwhile, the sisters were watching from a spot where they wouldn't be noticed. They weren't rejecting or fearing people except that one time in desperation, so even in the crowd, they could spot Han Sujung and Seojin. The pair seemed to be in a good mood. As the sisters watched quietly, their eyes filled with a mix of emotions and thoughts.
When they saw the two heading down to the food court in the basement, Yu Se Eun murmured softly.
"...That bitch—no, that woman... is she Han Sujung?"
"Seems like it."
"...Tch."
"...Hmph."
Was it jealousy or envy? The sisters clicked their tongues, glaring at Han Sujung with displeasure. They hurried to follow without letting the distance grow too far. And so began a reconnaissance battle between two small, cute stalkers and two people oblivious to the budding romance ahead.
Down in the basement, there were tons of food stalls, some grouped by blocks. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the chopping sounds on cutting boards, the sizzle of oil in pans, colorful menu boards on display. Above all, the lively crowd was a pleasant sight.
"Hmm... what should we eat~? Hyung, anything look tasty?"
"Huh? Hungry? Did you skip lunch?"
"...Hyung, you don't have to be hungry to enjoy this stuff."
"Hmm..."
As Han Sujung pouted and glared, Seojin awkwardly turned his head. He scanned the surroundings hurriedly, racking his brain for something to suit her tastes—even though he had no clue.
"How about... ah! That one?"
"...Chicken salad?"
The place Seojin pointed to sold light foreign cuisine. Food that wouldn't fill you up too much—perfect for a casual bite. Han Sujung glanced over meaningfully and flashed a sly smile.
"Heh~ What's this, hyung? You actually have some sense here? Born with good instincts?"
"It's... okay?"
"Hmm~ I'd give it an 80. Generous scoring since you're so stoic~"
"Phew. Good."
Seojin sighed in relief, wiping his chest. Every little moment like this pleased Han Sujung; she smiled warmly and grabbed his arm again, leading the way.
"Come on~ Let's go~"
"Hey, hey, I got it, so let go of my arm..."
"Can't hear you~ Hmm, where to sit... over there."
They reached the seating area and sat facing each other. Han Sujung, feeling hot, took off her top coat and rolled up her sleeves. They ordered simple food and chatted lightly for a bit. It wasn't a long conversation. Places like this served food fast. Soon, the light meals arrived and were set on the table.
"Hyung, dig in~"
"Yeah."
Han Sujung smiled and picked up a red soda nearby.
"You come here a lot?"
"Huh?"
"Nah, just seems like you're familiar with it. I've never really been much."
At the question, Han Sujung paused, then nodded slightly.
"Hehe. Who knows? Guess~"
"...Let's just eat."
Seeing her cheeky grin, Seojin figured there was no point pressing and picked up his fork. As the two enjoyed their simple meal, the sisters watched blankly from afar, their emotions churning complexly inside.
Watching Han Sujung smile brightly and chat away, Yu Se Eun's deadpan eyes fixed on her as she pointed with a finger.
"Sis. Fox."
"Huh?"
"Harmful fox. Gotta kill it. Uncle... Uncle's in danger."
"S-Se Eun? Hold on!"
Seeing Yu Se Eun tense to charge, Yu Sua hurriedly blocked and stopped her, shaking her lightly to snap her out of it. Yu Se Eun blinked awake like from a dream.
"Huh? Oh, sis. What did I just...?"
Regaining her senses, Yu Se Eun couldn't comprehend her own words. Had she really said something so dangerous? She'd definitely disappoint Seojin if he heard, so she shook her head vigorously. Don't lose control, she resolved deeply, about to thank her sister.
But the weird state wasn't just Yu Se Eun's.
"Se Eun, can't say stuff like that."
"Yeah, sorry, sis. I—"
Yu Se Eun started apologizing for her mistake, but looking at her sister, she realized she was even worse off.
"That's a vengeful spirit. So we can't kill it now, right?"
"...Huh? Vengeful spirit...?"
"Yeah. Slowly... very slowly... wait for the chance... strike when she shows an opening..."
Like a snake slithering through grass, Yu Se Eun's atmosphere turned stealthy and cautious. She stared blankly at Han Sujung—not like a predator eyeing prey, but someone eliminating an obstacle. The damp, almost dangerous glint in her eyes looked serious even to her sister.
"Sis! Snap out of it!! Control yourself! We promised to try not to do this!"
"...Huh?!"
This time, Yu Se Eun shook her sister awake. Yu Sua snapped back, immediately regretting her words.
"Haa... We can't keep doing this... Uncle would hate it if he saw."
"Yeah... Seems like Uncle likes that junior of his right now..."
"Haa... We need to... become like that too...?"
"...Let's try. Sis."
The sisters sighed meaningfully. Vowing once more to become women Seojin would like, they tried to resume watching—but they couldn't.
"...Girls?"
Seojin, whom they'd thought was eating far away, had appeared right in front of them.
At first, it was just a faint, unfamiliar sensation. The gaze of someone watching him, something he'd often felt during the war. Maybe his honed body had restored some of his old senses. Or maybe their staring was just that obvious. Either way, he couldn't ignore it and paused his meal.
"Haha, yeah. But... huh? Hyung, what's up?"
"Hold on."
Han Sujung watched curiously as Seojin stood abruptly, but trusted he had a reason and stayed quiet. Seojin moved slowly toward the source, weaving through the crowd carefully. When he reached the spot...
...the sisters were huddled there, faces serious.
"...Girls?"
Stunned, he called out blankly. They jumped in surprise, clearly not expecting it.
"S-Seojin uncle?!"
"Uncle? Why'd you come here!?"
"...Isn't that my line? How'd you even know to come here?!"
"...Um... You mentioned a promise before, so..."
"...We were curious what Uncle was doing, so we followed..."
Raising his voice a bit to question them, the sisters averted their eyes awkwardly. It was surprising they'd made it here, but more than that—where'd they get the money...? Oh. Right. I gave it to them. He'd handed out pocket money and personal comm watches, telling them to roam freely if they wanted. Who knew they'd use it for this. Shouldn't have given it...
"...Haa... Didn't you think I'd worry sick if something happened to you? Following without a word like this...!"
Scolding them, the two looked thoroughly dejected and apologized.
"...Sorry, Seojin uncle. We just wanted to be with you..."
"...Was kinda curious about you meeting your junior too..."
"...Sigh. Fine. Get up for now."
If he'd known they'd follow, he could've asked Han Sujung's permission. No, would she hate me then? Damned if he did, damned if he didn't. Either way, it was a sticky situation. He couldn't leave them there, so he stood them up and led them back. When they arrived, Han Sujung asked, flustered.
"H-Hyung. Who are these kids?"
"...My housemates."
"Hou—housemates?! Oh... those sisters? But why are they here?"
"They followed."
"Followed?!"
Han Sujung looked even more baffled, so Seojin explained slowly. She still seemed unconvinced but shook her head, accepting the inevitable.
"...Sigh. Thought it was a good day, but total bust."
Turning her head slightly, she muttered under her breath so they wouldn't hear. Next chance, then. Looking at the sisters, she greeted them.
"Hi? Ah... first time meeting, huh. I'm—"
"Han Sujung, right?"
"Han Sujung."
"...Huh? You know my name?"
Shocked to hear her name from these strangers, Han Sujung panicked. She shot Seojin a questioning look; he gave an awkward smile and explained briefly.
"No way! Warn a girl next time! Didn't expect you'd talk about me."
"S-Sorry... Thought you weren't interested since you never asked."
"Well, it's your business... Whatever."
Food was done anyway, and time was up. Han Sujung put her coat back on and stood.
"Time's about right, so let's head up and talk there instead of here."
"Sorry... Never saw this coming."
"...Not your fault, hyung, so don't over-apologize. Of course! I'll collect on this debt later, so remember that?"
Grinning mischievously, she poked Seojin's chest with a finger. Then, a chilling gaze prickled him. Was a villain lurking, targeting the hero that was her? It was that intense. He glanced around, but it vanished quickly, leaving him uneasy.
"What's wrong?"
"Nah... just a weird feeling suddenly."
"Feeling sick?"
"Not that... Let's go. I'm fine."
Another shiver down his spine, but Han Sujung brushed it off as imagination—though she soon realized the gazes came from the sisters.
The shop on the upper floor had a flashy entrance. But something odd: not a soul inside.
"...Closed today? Why's it empty?"
"'Cause I rented the whole place for the day."
"...Huh???"
Seojin stared blankly at Han Sujung, not comprehending. She rented the entire shop? In a department store?? Was that even possible?!
"Why the look? This department store's basically mine... well, my company's. Totally doable."
"What? This place is your company's?!"
"Yeah. H&A—ring a bell? The chairman's my dad."
What the hell. Totally unexpected. Especially H&A—they were top 5 in hero companies, practically number 1. Involved in everything hero-related. And the chairman... Seojin knew the guy.
"...You're amazing."
"Heh! Knew that? Praise away~"
"Yeah. Amazing, Han Sujung!"
"Ahem!"
As Seojin clapped in awe, Han Sujung beamed proudly. But the sisters' gazes soured. Feeling their wary stares, her confidence deflated fast.
"Ahem... Let's go in, hyung."
"Sure."
A stylish man, apparently the owner, approached as they entered.
"Hello~"
"Today's reservation... ah! You're the one who booked, right?"
"Yes. You recognized me at a glance?"
"Haha. Gotta know the building owner's daughter."
The owner smiled awkwardly, eyeing the group before asking Han Sujung.
"So, who's getting the full course today...?"
"Ah, this one."
Pointing to Seojin, the owner sized him up. Seojin, unfamiliar with "full course," couldn't hide his unease.
"What's a full course...?"
"Think total makeover. They provide clothes too, so you get a style check. No worries."
"S-Style?"
The word didn't suit him at all, but it was too late to back out. The owner clapped.
"Perfect! Got your vibe~ Prep for the customer~?"
Staff bustled. A screen partitioned off the styling area, tools and items moved in. Once ready, the owner guided Seojin.
"This way~ Hmm. Great base, it'll turn out fine!"
"N-No, I don't really..."
"No worries~ Come on, this way!"
Half-dragged, Seojin glanced back at the three. They waved encouragingly with smiles, so he had no choice but to enter.
With Seojin gone, an awkward silence fell over the three.
"...Ahem..."
Han Sujung cleared her throat and eyed the sisters. ...Pretty, damn it... She didn't get their constant wariness, but pushed it aside for other thoughts. Mainly looks. She thought herself pretty enough, but these kids were younger and somehow prettier. And when they grew up... would their chests get even bigger than hers? Did he pick them up 'cause they're cute? A strange rivalry sparked; now she was wary of them.
Meanwhile, Yu Sua stared at Han Sujung, thoughts swirling. So that's what it takes to catch Uncle's eye... Huge breasts. Tall enough. Prettier than her. Even grown, she doubted she'd match that figure. Especially after hearing about her wealth—it felt like an insurmountable wall. To win Uncle over, gotta try super hard. She gazed at Han Sujung with jealousy and admiration mixed.
Yu Se Eun eyed her too. Hmph. Pretty. But uglier than me. Boobs... monstrous, though. Whatever. She brimmed with confidence she'd catch up once grown. In her mental ranking: sis prettiest, her second, Han Sujung last. Rich or not, if she got more capable and prettier, she'd win Seojin for sure. Burning with determination to outdo her in beauty and bust, she glared piercingly.
Time slipped by unnoticed in this subtle battle of nerves.
"Phew~ All done!"
How long had passed? The endless silence broke when the owner emerged.
"Done?"
"Whew~ Hair was decent, but that beard was trouble. Shaved it clean—total rebirth!"
"Where is he?"
"Changing in the fitting room. Wanna check?"
Curiosity piqued, the three nodded. They headed to the fitting room door—but hesitated to open it, tense like job interviewees.
"Whoa, why so nervous~? Customer? All set?"
"Ah, yes. Good to go."
The owner, quick on the uptake, knocked. Hearing the reply, he grinned at them.
"Alright, feast your eyes on the transformation~!"
The door opened to reveal Seojin, adjusting his suit.
"Huh? Why's the door...? Oh. Han Sujung... Sua, Se Eun?"
Startled by the sudden opening, Seojin smiled upon seeing them and asked cautiously.
"Um... how's it look? Okay?"
He smiled, but inside he was anxious. What if it didn't suit him? But no—the three stared, dumbfounded. Not mismatched at all. His completely changed look wasn't just appealing; it was moving. So cool, the old image faded entirely.
Silence stretched until Yu Se Eun spoke first.
"...Won't call you uncle anymore."
"Huh...? Why?"
Seojin asked, flustered. She beamed brightly.
"Gonna call you oppa!!!"
"I agree!"
"Um... me too!"
Her words drew full agreement; the other two nodded eagerly.