Chapter 113
Maybe you'll raise me too? The sofa was pricey given its premium material, but Yoo Seol-ah handed over her card without a second thought.
"So, are you two planning to put the sofa in your new home?"
"Yeah, we're moving soon, and it looks like we'll be getting a cat."
"Cats are the best... I live alone with mine, and it keeps the loneliness away."
The employee slipped the card into the terminal with a smile. "Since you two are buying such precious newlywed furniture from our store, I'll throw in a little discount on my own authority!"
"You sure that's okay?"
"Yeah, my boss might chew me out a bit... but it's fine! You guys just look so perfect together."
We froze for a moment. Wait, isn't she an employee? She looked so young I assumed she was staff, but from the way she talked, she had to be the manager.
Yoo Seol-ah chuckled softly. "I thought you were an employee this whole time..."
"Haha, I get that a lot—people say I don't look like the owner! It's my day off today, so I'm covering... but I get scolded for giving discounts willy-nilly."
Hearing her talk about getting chewed out by staff suggested a pretty chill workplace vibe.
"I'll bump the discount to 10%! Full payment?"
Either way, the final price was a steal. Maybe she was one of those hobbyist store owners you hear about occasionally.
"Thank you. We'll pay in full."
"Payment processed! We'll ship it as soon as it's ready—fastest we can."
"Got it. Any idea on the timeline?"
"It's made to order, so it might take a bit, but I think we can get it to you within five days."
"Sounds good."
We finished up, got our "happy newlywed life" well-wishes, and headed out. Still some time before dinner, so Yoo Seol-ah pulled out her phone's notes app and led the way.
"What next?"
"This and that. Washer, dryer? Oh, and my parents insisted on a dishwasher."
"Dishwasher's a game-changer."
Living solo in a tiny studio means you can't fit big appliances easily. Shopping for household essentials really drove home that we were setting up our marital home.
"You scoped out where to buy them?"
"Yup. Got it all listed here."
I peeked at her screen—brands and exact models for every appliance.
"You're surprisingly thorough."
"Hey, surprisingly? I'm meticulous as hell...!"
"...Earlier..."
"Spit it out."
"Nah, I know you're super detail-oriented."
I thought of her changing into pajamas instead of going-out clothes earlier, but when she clenched her fist, I had no choice but to backpedal. I'm just being extra nice. Definitely not scared of that punch from before.
Hopping between appliance stores, we kept getting the same reaction.
"W-Welcome~"
These folks must see hundreds of customers, yet they all did a double-take when their eyes met Yoo Seol-ah's. Her unique silver hair probably drew extra stares to her face.
"Could you tell us about the Clean Tower CL250WA?"
"You've done your homework. This way, please."
We sorted the washer-dryer specs, controls, and install date in no time. The pitch felt rote, so after leaving, I asked Yoo Seol-ah, "Why that model, though?"
"My parents have the same one. Pricey, but they swear by it."
"Ah..."
Parent recs are gold. Nearly three million won, but she paid in full without blinking.
"You don't skimp on this stuff."
"Yup. Housework's for life—might as well get the best."
Fair point. Folks who've never had a dryer or dishwasher before rave about entering a new world. Fridge and dishwasher are must-haves, and dropping that much in one day would've daunted most, but not her.
"...Perks of being a popular illustrator."
"I worked my ass off for this... so I can splurge when it counts."
Fashion design isn't performing arts, so her killer drawing skills didn't help admissions. She juggled illustrations and studying through high school. Damn, she's smart too.
"We got the essentials... Anything else?"
"Hm... Rice cooker?"
"Oh yeah. Never cooked rice myself, so it slipped my mind."
She'd only done instant noodles, so yeah. Solo living means microwave rice packs over cooking. Our place could handle a cooker, maybe even an oven.
Baking cookies or cake with her? Exciting.
"I'll handle the cooking stuff. Oh, and we need a microwave."
"I can cook decently now..."
"Last time you tried solo and called me after three minutes."
"...You got it."
She'd attempted cooking in her studio a few times, but always needed my help to finish. She picks it up quick once taught, but blanks on unfamiliar territory.
The kitchen appliance section gleamed with shiny gadgets. Coffee makers and waffle irons tempted, but priorities first—I headed to microwaves.
"You into baking?"
"Bread? You can make it?"
Her eyes sparkled like a kid's. Oven it is.
"I can do anything."
"So cocky... but hot."
I aimed for the "annoying but cool" vibe, and it landed—her eyes were full of hearts now. Calling me hot unprompted? Big win.
"Check this: combo oven with microwave and air fryer functions."
"Ooh, need an air fryer too. Use it way more than the microwave."
She had one in her studio—top trending appliance lately.
"Air fryer's like a mini oven... but our kitchen's empty, right?"
"Yeah, just the induction spot."
"Separate might be better. Combos are a pain to clean."
She listened intently, then gave me a weird look.
"You know everything about housework?"
"Nah, I researched 'cause we're living together now."
"...I see."
She beamed, no hiding it. Not just her prepping for married life.
After debating, we went separate. First oven for me too, but I liked one after the demo and bought it.
"How'd you learn baking?"
"Cookies, cakes—just follow recipes."
"...Like studying from a textbook."
"That's exactly it."
"......"
She pouted like it was unfair, but cooking's foolproof with recipes—consistent results. Innovation's where it gets tricky.
"Did it with Baek Sia as a kid. To keep her entertained."
"You baked cookies back then?"
"Yeah. Cookies, brownies too."
She patted my back excitedly. Despite short time knowing her, she adored Baek Sia like a little sis.
"Best big bro ever?"
"Practically raised her."
Second parent status for sure—tons of time together.
I said it straight, and she cleared her throat. "So... will you raise me too?"
Rare cutesy tone from her, eyes tilted up—heart-pounding stuff. Half-succubus charm almost got me, but I can't lose every time.
"What're you saying? You're about to be raising one with me soon."
She paused, processing, then blurted at warp speed. "...E-Even rushing, it's at least ten months, and yeah I wanna see 'em quick but school'd be tough... unless you really want now, I could take a leave..."
I meant it ambiguously, but her biting so hard felt weirdly good. Didn't expect leave-of-absence thoughts. Kinda guilty—that's on me. I want to enjoy uni life with her first; no kids till after graduation.
"Talking about the cat."
Straight-faced through a suppressed laugh, and her mildly flushed face went nuclear red.
"Ah, uh... ah."
Did she break? How deep in baby-brain was she? Mortified, she averted her eyes but still landed a flurry of Yoo Seol-ah punches on my back.