Chapter 105
I like that part too. Waking up to a morning in an unfamiliar place carries a pretty unique vibe. Maybe it's from old habits, but whenever I open my eyes somewhere that's not home, I sit right up without fail.
After shaking off the sleep, I headed to the living room. Kim Junwoo, looking utterly drained with bags under his eyes, glanced up from the couch.
What's up with him?
"What're you doing?"
"Man, that thing from last night keeps replaying in my head. Couldn't sleep a wink."
Yeah, the MT guts test had some next-level costumes no one saw coming. Folks who had zero clue must've been scared out of their minds.
Come to think of it, didn't he go with Kim Gayeong? Plenty of people see sharing a scare like that as prime bonding time—guys acting all tough, girls getting cute. But judging by Junwoo's state, that probably didn't pan out.
"You went with Kim Gayeong, right?"
"...Yeah. I just hid behind her the whole way."
"...Kim Gayeong?"
"Nah, me."
Kim Gayeong does have that bold vibe, but picturing big ol' Junwoo ducking behind her is kinda hilarious. Still, if they teamed up that easily, they're probably tight. She likely found his unexpected side charming.
"But how come you're fine? Your face didn't even twitch when you came out."
"I've always been okay with mildly scary stuff."
Doesn't mean I like it. Never sought out horror movies or anything with creepy elements. I just take it more in stride than most.
No real plans today. Some headed home early, others could catch the late bus back together. Guess I'll grab some breakfast first and figure it out.
Yoo Seol-ah had messaged me already—up early as usual. I made my way over. Even fresh out of bed, she radiated that bright energy, greeting me in a slightly husky voice.
Low tones suit her perfectly.
"...Good morning."
"Yeah. Eaten yet?"
"Not yet. Whatcha making?"
"Sure. Not much left, but how about some ramen?"
"Love ramen."
Mornings can feel chilly, so hot soup hits the spot. We had ramen last night too, but that was in budae jjigae. Ramen's taste varies wildly by how you cook it anyway. Might as well toss in all the leftovers—no one's hauling them home.
A bit of meat, some chili, garlic... that'll do. No cutting board, but like yesterday, I spread cooking foil on the table and got to prepping.
Sprouts or bean sprouts would've added a nice kick, but oh well.
I trimmed the fat from the meat and chopped the veggies when the seniors wandered over.
"Hold up, you always cook like this, Sion? That budae jjigae yesterday was killer."
"Yeah. Been doing it since I was a kid—gotta look after my little sis."
"Seol-ah must love it..."
"...For real, this guy's cooking is insane."
If even Yoo Seol-ah admits it, I can take some pride in my skills.
With Jia unnie and Yujeong sunbae here too, I decided to make extra. Didn't take long—the hangover ramen was ready. We four sat down and dug in.
"Never had ramen like this in my life."
"Right? I barely touch the stuff usually, but this is next-level."
The seniors' praise made the corners of Seol-ah's mouth twitch up. They say husbands and wives are one flesh—guess it's true.
Once the MT wrapped up, we naturally ended up at Yoo Seol-ah's studio apartment. The second we arrived, she hugged me from behind, taking a few deep breaths.
"Hoo..."
"...What?"
"...Nothing, just... recharging..."
What kinda talk is that?
Before I could react, she let go, tossed her bag aside, and plopped down at her computer.
"Drawing?"
"Yeah. Kinda swamped today."
So that's what the "recharge" was for—no time to cuddle later. Cute and impressive.
Yukinyang's skyrocketing growth lately? All thanks to Seol-ah's work ethic. Most illustrators run fan pages, but she pumps out 1.5 times the industry average—zero drop in quality. Top illustrators are name-dropping her now, and followers are exploding.
"Honestly, school matters more to me than this."
"Same."
Clothes or art—both her passions, but if forced to pick, it's art hands down. Her overwhelming mage talent stems from that same creativity and expressiveness.
She's working, so I should study ahead too. Gotta keep the scholarship, maybe even snag teaching creds for later. Club takes time, so best to grind now.
I grabbed my laptop, set it up on the living room table. No words needed—just knowing I could reach her with an outstretched hand was healing enough.
We had lunch plans with her parents at their place, so I got up early to prep.
"Our folks are kinda... pranksters. Don't freak out."
"Got it."
She'd said they vibe like mine, so I had a rough idea. My parents act young—no big generation gap with me or Sia. Same warmth here, probably.
We arrived early, with Seol-ah leading. Sleek three-story house—not an apartment complex after all.
"Lived here before?"
"Yeah. Me and unnie. Third floor's mostly empty now."
I nodded that I was ready. She took a breath, pulled out her phone.
"Yeah, just got here. Coming in?"
She punched in the code, opened the door. Her mom was right there—incredibly similar to Seol-ah, but softer, kinder. Ageless like my folks.
"...Been a while since you were here."
"Hello. I'm Baek Sion."
"Oh, Seol-ah never showed pics... Hogging you all to herself, huh? Come on in."
Entrance on the second floor? Down to the first, and there was her dad in the kitchen. Brown-dyed hair suited him perfectly—impressive for his age.
We started with the gift I'd brought.
"Our parents recommended this wine."
"How'd you know we love wine... Nice to meet you. Food's almost ready—just a sec."
First impressions stick, they say. No need to worry.
Dad was frying—homemade chicken or tenders, maybe. Pasta, chicken, killer smells. Serious skills.
"All done~"
Plus salmon salad and soup. My home's traditional Korean; here, perfect Western spread.
"...You never went all out when I was around."
"Duh, gotta save it for special days. Everyday feasts kill the magic."
"......"
She shut Seol-ah down in seconds—deep inner strength.
I said to speak casually; Dad popped the wine with practiced ease.
"Fancy stuff... Thanks. You drink, Sion?"
"Yeah, a bit."
"They say you really know someone over drinks."
"Go easy. He has to head to his folks' later."
"Just one glass. Always nagging, Dad."
"You know I can't stop at one—you drag out the whole bar!"
This vibe. Just like home.
Wine poured into four glasses, clink, first sip. Dad set his down, voice deep and weighty.
"...I won't give you my daughter."
...Outta nowhere. I froze; Seol-ah, mid-sip, started choking. Had to grab tissues.
She wiped her mouth, sighed deeply.
"Ugh, what weird drama did you watch now... First meeting and this?!"
"Sorry, Sion. Morning soaps got me hooked in my old age. Always wanted to drop a line like that."
"Forgive my husband. Just joking—ignore him."
My heart, steady through the guts test, skipped. Showed how vital Seol-ah is to me.
We ate, chatting slowly again.
"Seol-ah's gorgeous, sure, but kinda childish, right?"
Seol-ah bit her lip, fuming; parents chuckled. Honesty it is.
"...I like that part too."
"Kuh!"
Now soup went down wrong. ...She's not gonna eat at this rate.