Chapter 115
Lee Seo-yeon stared at us with eyes that were half exasperated, half fondly amused. It seemed like an impossible mix of expressions, but given our current situation, it made a strange kind of sense. Yoo Seol-ah was sporting a hairstyle I'd never seen on her before, they were both wearing matching couple rings—and not just any rings, but ones that looked exactly like the candy rings we used to eat as kids.
"Playing at being kids again?"
"We're still young, aren't we? Just turned twenty."
"Your minds have three extra years on them, though."
"...Hey, Lee Seo-yeon, no more mentioning that from now on."
It was the kind of inside joke only we could share. Our Earth ages were still twenty. Technically even younger by Korean reckoning, but mentally, we were all three years older thanks to our time away. Time-wise, it wasn't a huge gap, but the experiences we'd racked up had forced us to mature way beyond our years.
"Though, Seol-ah, I always figured you'd be into stuff like this. Even dragging Baek Sion into it."
"...He bought them and put them on me."
"No way..."
I had no idea what image of me lived in Lee Seo-yeon's head, but the moment she heard I'd picked out candy rings and slipped them on her finger, suspicion flickered in her eyes.
"For real?"
"For real."
"Whoa... Baek Sion's really changed."
"What was I like before?"
She didn't even pause to think before firing back at my question.
"You two are both total tsunderes. You like taking care of people without them noticing, right?"
Me, a tsundere? Was it true what they said about couples starting to resemble each other when they're in love?
"...Guess I caught it from Yoo Seol-ah."
"What am I, a virus...?"
Yoo Seol-ah didn't even deny the tsundere label. Lee Seo-yeon must have sensed the mana emanating from the rings too, because she turned to Yoo Seol-ah next.
"But did it make you that happy? It's got some serious magic packed into it."
"...Well, I always liked candy rings as a kid..."
"But coming from Baek Sion, it hit different?"
It was the kind of line that made even me a little embarrassed, so Yoo Seol-ah straight-up shoved Lee Seo-yeon away.
"Ugh, seriously, Lee Seo-yeon, why are you so persistent?! Get lost...!"
"Looks like you're planning to treasure it forever in a display case..."
Lee Seo-yeon probably meant it offhand, but as the saying goes, a casual stone can kill a frog. Yoo Seol-ah suddenly started rolling her eyes around instead of answering.
She wasn't just thinking about cherishing it in her heart—she planned to keep it for life?
"For real?"
"It's not like that's a bad thing..."
Confirming Yoo Seol-ah's true feelings, Lee Seo-yeon let out a mysterious laugh. Then she looked at me instead.
"Baek Sion, you must feel like giving her gifts now."
It was a reaction that made even me happy. Seeing her light up over something so small made me feel grateful in return.
"Should I go for a diamond ring next time?"
I'd meant it as a light deflection, but Yoo Seol-ah took it dead seriously.
"I don't need anything expensive... Don't even think about diamonds."
"Not into diamonds? Or should I aim higher, like pink diamonds?"
"Argh, seriously, no...!"
Despite earning way more than most people her age, Yoo Seol-ah lived pretty frugally, so I figured buying her flashy jewelry out of the blue might backfire and get me scolded instead.
Lee Seo-yeon, who'd been watching quietly, chimed in.
"Yeah, Seol-ah prefers a kiss over a diamond ring anyway."
It was obviously meant to tease her, but contrary to my expectations, Yoo Seol-ah didn't glare at her—instead, she gave a subtle nod.
Her voice was barely above a whisper. "...Yeah, that's exactly right..."
Me and Lee Seo-yeon froze solid in an instant. While I was still melting from Yoo Seol-ah's overwhelming cuteness, Lee Seo-yeon suddenly shot up from her seat.
"...Ah, I want coffee. Something super bitter..."
She didn't spell it out, but I had a pretty good idea why she suddenly craved coffee.
We'd come to see cats anyway, so with Lee Seo-yeon on her feet, Yoo Seol-ah and I hopped into the car right after.
Even after a few rides, the seats still felt different—luxuriously so.
"...This car really is comfy."
"They say the performance is meh, but whatever. I'm not planning to race, so it's fine for me."
"Over 100 million won and the performance is meh? I don't know much about cars."
I'd never looked into cars myself, so I waited for Lee Seo-yeon's explanation.
"Not bad, exactly... It's more like, for this price, you could get something better. I picked it for the design, though, so I don't care."
When you had money on a whole other level, that casual nonchalance seeped into even little comments like that.
"Oh yeah, you said you bought some furniture at the department store earlier?"
"Yeah. Fridge, washer, that kinda stuff."
"Hmm... If you got most of the big stuff, what do I even bring for a housewarming?"
Usually, super close friends might gift appliances, but Lee Seo-yeon had already gone way beyond that by gifting the entire apartment. Did she really need more?
Yoo Seol-ah seemed to think the same, answering right away.
"No need for more... Without you, I wouldn't even have a proper place yet."
"That's separate. Housewarming gifts are a must."
"Then... our Seo-yeon's love?... Sorry."
She knew she was cute, but lately she'd been laying it on extra thick. And yet, it just made me chuckle and smile helplessly.
"I'm always giving you love, so I'll think of something appropriate. Tell me if you need anything."
Trusting Lee Seo-yeon's smooth driving, we rode quietly until we pulled into the parking lot of a building sooner than expected. The elevator took us up to a sight that wasn't quite what I'd pictured.
"Isn't this the animal shelter?"
"That's upstairs. This is the cat cafe first."
I'd imagined something stark for a stray cat shelter, so the bright, cozy cafe vibe caught me off guard.
"Upstairs too?"
"Yeah. The upper floors are the real deal... I'll explain later."
Seemed like there was a lot to unpack, so we followed Lee Seo-yeon to the counter as she cut the chat short. Right then, a young man's voice called out.
"Ah, miss. You're here."
Miss...? I was mildly surprised, but Yoo Seol-ah straight-up clapped a hand over her mouth.
He looked late twenties, probably the cafe owner. Being called "miss" by someone like that? Lee Seo-yeon really was on another level.
"Ah... please. Cut that out... The kids are getting weird ideas...!"
"S-sorry! I've committed a grave sin... Please, don't tell the boss..."
"Aaaah!"
Just like usual Yoo Seol-ah, Lee Seo-yeon's face crumpled like she was about to cry. Seeing the usual hitter get hit was kinda entertaining.
I was shocked at first, but his next words made it clear it was a joke. He had blond hair and a mischievous grin.
"...He's my cousin. These two are my closest friends."
"Hi."
"Hello..."
"Nice to meet you. I'm the manager running the catnip cafe for now. First time Lee Seo-yeon's brought friends here."
Felt kinda special, like we'd gotten her seal of approval.
"We'll hang in the cafe a bit, then head up, so we'll order later."
"Sure, take your time. Drinks are on the house for you two—order whatever."
"For real??"
"Yeah. If I didn't comp Lee Seo-yeon, she'd probably tear the place down."
"Keep that up and I might actually do it!?"
Everyone had their natural predator, huh. Lee Seo-yeon as a punching bag was a rare sight—the owner was totally playing with her.
We followed her through a middle door into the back, and cats started appearing everywhere.
"Whoooaaa..."
Yoo Seol-ah let out a breathy gasp. She'd been dropping her guard around cats lately, and with over ten milling about, she looked on the verge of passing out from bliss.
Were they just people-lovers, or did they like us specifically? A few bounded over right away.
Lee Seo-yeon stroked a black cat with practiced ease.
"Tori, long time no see?"
"You know it?"
"Yeah, I've been here a ton."
And so Lee Seo-yeon's explanation began.
"This is the biggest stray animal shelter in the country, and the cat cafe too."
"Cafe's just this floor?"
"Yup. Upstairs is all animal hospital and shelter space."
The building was huge—I'd figured as much—but apparently the whole thing was dedicated to animals.
"Eum pours a ton of money into this place."
"Ah..."
Come to think of it, I'd heard about Eum's massive donations across various causes.
"Well, good for the company image. No euthanasia here, top-tier facilities. Better than forcing strays on the street and dealing with the noise. Costs a fortune, but whatever."
"The cafe alone looks super well-run."
"Yeah. I've loved animals since I was little... The image stuff is just a bonus."
Shaping donations around her daughter's hobbies? She must be one spoiled heiress.
"My aunt's family runs the vet side, so my cousin here just handles the cafe."
"Got it."
"That's why they send out a lot from the shelter for adoption, and cafe cats too if someone wants. These ones are the bigger ones."
"Good work."
Listening attentively while sitting, two cats had already claimed spots near me—but Yoo Seol-ah had it worse. I'd been the one answering, after all.
"...S-sorry, could you repeat that? I didn't catch it."
In that short time, Yoo Seol-ah had turned into a human cat tower. Two on her lap, one on her shoulder, and a bunch rubbing against her legs.
Even Lee Seo-yeon, who came often, looked stunned by the sight.
"...Did you roll in churu before coming?"
"Dunno... But I'm so happy..."
It must've been heavy, but she just grinned dopily, petting the ones on her lap.
"Service... items here."
The owner, bringing honey bread, trailed off at the bizarre scene.
"...Heard about people like this occasionally, but first time seeing it for real..."
True to form as a cat cafe boss, he snapped out of it quick. Then came a question.
"We've got couple drinks too—want me to prep some?"
"How'd you know...?"
Yoo Seol-ah blinked in surprise, but clamped her mouth shut when his gaze dropped to their fingers.
"...Oh."
"Special glasses for 'em. Just say the word."
I left it to Yoo Seol-ah, who blushed faintly.
"Th-then, please..."
"Coffee for me. Super bitter."
"Don't you hate bitter stuff?"
"...Want bitter today."
"Oh yeah, didn't you say you had someone you like? Why'd you come alone?"
"...Whatever! Make it really bitter."
Was it my imagination, or was Lee Seo-yeon starting to grit her teeth?