Luxury Shopping and Bro Time at Lotte World Tower
With nearly a month left until the factories started operating, I needed something to kill the empty time. "Maybe I should go on a real shopping spree..."
Last time Athena suggested it, I'd shot it down, but now a little department store browsing didn't sound bad. No matter how much I blew there, it wouldn't even hit half of what I'd spent over the past few days, so I could go stress-free. Worried I'd just procrastinate if I hung around here, I fired up the engine right away and headed to Lotte World Tower, Jamsil's landmark.
"Man, it's been ages. Last time was before the army, at Lotte World."
Wanna hit Lotte World after shopping today?
"What's the point going alone? It'll just be lonely."
I parked and headed inside the department store, but once I was in, I had zero clue what to buy. Athena. I'm here, but what should I get?
Grab a few outfits first.
What kind? I wasn't into dressing up, so I stuck to comfy clothes.
Suits for public appearances, and toss the old stuff at home for new ones.
Now that I was here, I kinda wanted to head home, but I had a feeling I'd get an earful if I bailed, so I headed up to the fifth floor men's section.
I had zero interest in luxury brands. Hell, I wasn't big on dressing up at all, so no way I'd know them. Naturally, I only recognized the mainstream ones everybody knew, like ShaX or GuX.
Got the suit thing. But where do I go?
A navigation bar popped up in my vision, like a game minimap. I followed it mindlessly, and soon spotted a men's suit shop that screamed expensive. Glancing at my reflection in the store window before going in—Adidas pants and gray hoodie—I worried they'd boot me out.
They won't chase me off, right?
Probably not... Go on in.
Stepping inside, the staff shot me some curious looks. But they were pros—quickly masking it with smiles as one approached.
"Welcome. Looking for anything specific?"
Didn't expect a dedicated salesperson right off the bat.
"Uh... yeah, need to buy some suits."
"Any particular style or purpose in mind?"
"A few for public occasions."
I caught the staffer's eyes twitching ever so slightly. Eyes shaking? What's up?
It's a brand where suits run 8 to 15 million won apiece.
Athena had sent me here, but hearing 15 million per suit made me wanna bolt. How the hell does a suit cost over 15 mil?
Grumbling inwardly, I waited for the staffer, who politely ushered me to a private room in the back.
"Right this way to our private lounge."
I trailed after, entering an antique-vibe room. Sat in the offered chair, got some drinks, and the pitch began.
"With your build and aura, you'd rock classic styles with a trendy edge. How about navy for business meetings, charcoal gray for formal events, and a light check pattern? Three styles to start?"
Blah blah Italy this, blah that—I had no interest, so barely followed.
No clue what he's saying. Help?
Listen slowly and ask me anything you don't get.
No, I don't get any of it?
...Want me to take over?
Yeah? I'm dying to bail here.
A weird limpness hit my body, and it started moving on its own.
"Add those two suits hanging over there, plus five white shirts and three light blues."
"Got it. Ties?"
"Silk in navy, wine, and brown, please."
"Right away, sir. Let's start with measurements."
Handing control to Athena wrapped selections up in a flash. Felt like playing a first-person game as measurements finished and payment loomed.
"Five suits and eight shirts. Total: 120 million won."
Absurd that a few clothes cost over 100 mil, but they looked premium—no real complaints. Pay it.
Handed my phone over; transaction done.
"Thank you, sir! Delivery to your address in three days."
Control snapped back to me. Waved bye to the bowing staffer and stepped out—another arrow appeared.
What? Isn't shopping done? More?
Suits call for shoes, Master.
Sucked dry from clothes, but I trudged on.
Shoes were way easier—no drama, snagged three pairs quick. Sure, 8.2 million won vanished, but...
Now it's my time. Gotta grab comfy clothes.
Sounds good. Any brands you like?
Nah, nothing specific. Just browse and grab what catches my eye.
Chatting idly with Athena while picking up casual wear, I ran into someone unexpected.
"Kim Hyun-seong? Dude, what're you doing here?"
Seeing my 15-year neighborhood buddy made me grin.
"Semester's starting soon, grabbing some clothes. You?"
"Same deal. Only got old rags, figured a mood refresh."
"You? Mr. Adidas-or-die?"
"Burned out on repeats."
"Weirdest thing. Wanna grab dinner if you're free? Dinner hour's closing in."
First meet since discharge, and boom—dinner invite.
"Hell yeah. What're you craving?"
"Samgyeopsal, no question."
15 years of pork belly, guy never tires.
Dinner time neared, clothes haul done, so straight to the restaurant.
"Yo, where you headed?"
Hyun-seong called as I veered to the parking lot instead of Jamsil Station. Right, he doesn't know about the car.
No one knew—I'd bought it on the DL.
"Uh... just follow."
Not some rando; well-off family, longtime bud, so ride it is.
Popped the Panamera door; he stared like I'd lost it.
"You steal this?"
"Fuck off."
"Bought it then? You hate spending."
Excuse time: stocks perfect cover.
"Stocks popped off. Bro special—hop in."
That's my doing.
It's in my body, counts as mine.
Ignored Athena's gripe, revved up; passenger-seat Hyun-seong went full gorilla hoot, hyped.
"Damn, engine roars."
"Obviously. Didn't peg you as my first passenger."
"Who else you gonna cart?"
This punk? Tempted to slam the wall, but nah—too new, my loss.
Rolled to our usual samgyeopsal joint, sat, ordered the standard.
"Car too? You footing this?"
Thieving bastard.
"Sigh... Call me bro, it's on me."
"Bro!"
If that desperate... "Fine, I got it."
"Sweet? Bail and I'll shave your head again."
"Shut up and eat."
15+ years, and he's getting more immature.
Devouring like drinks mid-feast, he asked, "Wait, you're reenrolling soon, right?"
"Nah, taking a leave."
"Huh?"
"Gonna study what I want, sort my head out."
"Your life, man. Not like you're broke."
"Exactly. Live free a year, then back."
"Ugh... Semester ends, I'm army-bound. What about me?"
"Public service, you psycho."
Remembered him dying laughing at my enlistment—pissed me off.
Wrapped up pointless chatter and grub, headed home.
"Smart call on the leave. School plus this gig? Sketchy."
I handle most of it.
"Still salty?"
Kidding.
Her snippy tone softened back to her usual calm lilt.
"Those suits were off-the-rack, though. 100 mil+ for ready-mades—custom-tailored's gotta be what?"
Depends on the brand, but expect double.
Double, huh... Not like I'd ever run short on cash. Still didn't get the appeal of clothes, but seeing myself suited up earlier? Worth it.
"Tomorrow, watch shopping? Always wanted a slick one."
A sharp guy needs a watch. Pair it with a fresh haircut.
"Deal. Due for a salon anyway."
Bit annoying heading out again tomorrow, but watch thoughts had my heart pounding.