Chapter 130
What kind of person could make her go "...N-no, really...?" Baek Sia stuttering like that was a rare sight. And doing it twice? That would only happen if the world was ending. Honestly, when we first learned Lee Seo-yeon's true identity, our club wasn't as shocked as you might think. Getting kidnapped to another world was phase one. Reuniting with comrades from that world was phase two buffer. So by the time we heard she was a chaebol heiress, our mental armor was thick enough to take it in stride.
Of course, it was still shocking enough that I totally got Baek Sia's reaction.
"No way, you're just joking, right?"
Lee Seo-yeon started fooling her with that awkward smile still plastered on. ...Even if it's my little sister, I had to admire how boldly Seo-yeon teased someone she'd just met.
"Ahaha... right?"
Baek Sia fell perfectly for the ploy, even letting out a relieved sigh. To us, she just looked pitiful. Honestly, calling it a joke felt way more realistic.
Yoo Seol-ah shot her a slightly sympathetic glance too, but she clearly had no intention of spilling the truth. Like they say, birds of a feather.
I never pass up a chance to tease my sister either, so even as Seo-yeon kept spinning her tale, I didn't interrupt.
"That black card earlier... they've started issuing black ones lately. It's just a regular card."
"Oh, really? It's my first time seeing a real black one..."
"Black's kinda pretty, right? But if you tried using an actual Black at a convenience store, it'd get frozen instantly. Suspicion of fraud or whatever."
"...Yeah, that makes sense... I was really shocked..."
...Wow, that stone-faced liar. In moments like this, I couldn't believe she was a saintess. How badly did she want to fool her for those lies to flow so smoothly?
I'd glimpsed one before—it looked different from regular cards right off the bat. Sure, it was a domestic VVIP Black limited to just 1,000 holders in Korea, but that didn't change the fact that you needed overflowing money to even consider it. Annual fee was like 3 million won, right? It came with perks, but for folks like us, the fee alone was a dealbreaker. And good luck even qualifying.
"But the drinks here are legit delicious. I drink them a lot."
"The belly drink? I love belly drinks. Hard to find, though... new one?"
"Yeah. Pretty sure it's been less than a year."
The key to a good lie is mixing in truth, they say. My little sister seemed to buy it hook, line, and sinker, taking a sip and nodding.
"Oh, it's actually good. I only do zero-sugar drinks, so this is perfect..."
"Right?"
I had no idea how long Seo-yeon would milk the fun before confessing, but her setup was airtight from the start.
Finally getting to the point, Seo-yeon asked, "Ever tried the food here? Ium... that's how you read it?"
You can't miss it's named after your dad's name. I caught Yoo Seol-ah nearly bursting out laughing as Seo-yeon tilted her head at the label. She barely held it in with a sharp inhale.
"Yeah, I think I've tried everything there lately. It's so popular... fried rice, instant tteokbokki too."
Seo-yeon played the incognito inspector, but Baek Sia answered earnestly.
"Tteokbokki too? Anything tasty? I wanna try."
Was it her aspiring voice actress skills or just Seo-yeon herself that was scary? Her acting was top-notch. We were dying holding back laughs while she didn't even twitch.
Poor victim number one pondered briefly before speaking up.
"The cha-dol fried rice is amazing. Frozen, so not too pricey, but I grab it when I'm eating alone..."
"Oh right, Baek Sion's not home."
"Yeah, after oppa leaves, I fend for myself or eat out."
Yoo Seol-ah seamlessly kept the convo going with keen interest. I handled meals when I was home, but Sia wasn't helpless. She'd cook on her own plenty after growing up, and helped me out too. Definitely better than Seol-ah in the kitchen.
Seo-yeon was joking, but seemed genuinely curious about a regular person's take.
"Cha-dol fried rice? Got it, I'll note that. Anything else?"
"Oh, there's this super tasty one. The potato cheese croquette? It's killer."
"They sell croquettes?"
"Yeah, all frozen. We have a truckload at home. Tons of cheese— you gotta try it."
I ate Ium stuff often but hadn't tried that yet. Guess solo meals naturally lead to their lineup. Affordable and reliable taste.
"Thanks."
"No prob. I'll try other croquettes and report back."
Baek Sia beamed at sharing her faves, but to us in the know, her thanks hit different. The truth still shrouded in mystery.
Then the doorbell rang again.
"Fridge this time?"
"Probably. It's got a set spot in the kitchen, so just tell them to put it there."
No fussing over placement—the kitchen corner was perfect. Big fridge, but the elevator and door were wide enough for standard delivery.
"Hello~ Line Apartments usually have a perfect kitchen spot—shall we set it there?"
"Yes, please."
Being a named complex, we kept hearing insider apartment tips, like with the sofa. The worker hooked up the cord and explained.
"It'll be fully operational in an hour or two. Call the center if anything."
"Thanks~"
We'd heard the specs at purchase, so soon it was just us four again. Curious Baek Sia piped up.
"This place pretty famous? First time here, but it feels brand new."
"...Super popular. Near stations, great landscaping, full community facilities."
Not quite indoor gym like Seo-yeon's, but gym, onsite cafe—all top-tier. Nearby schools meant solid security, and the sleek new build looked sharp.
Baek Sia, now intrigued, asked, "...But isn't it crazy expensive? I know you and unnie both work..."
Implying our jobs couldn't swing this. Spot on—impossible. For a hot 30-pyeong unit, we'd need our savings, parents' help, and max loans.
Yoo Seol-ah secretly poked Seo-yeon's side at the question. Seo-yeon flashed a wistful smile, then said flatly,
"...The top floor's always empty. Better if someone lives here, right?"
"...What?"
"It was mine originally, but I live elsewhere, so I gave it to you guys."
"......"
Baek Sia froze like a glitch, head tilted in confusion. Then she dropped it, suddenly staring at me.
Confirming facts, I nodded simply.
Finally getting it, she covered her face with both hands and didn't lift her head for a while.
Yeah, that's the reaction worth watching. Face red—she was mortified.
Seeming to process it all without looking up, she murmured quietly,
"...Unnie, so the stuff I told you earlier..."
"Ahaha... sorry. Just personally curious what you like."
No plans to join Ium management, but her family pride shone through in the playful probe.
"...I'm gonna wash my face."
She fanned herself frantically en route to the bathroom. Back soon after, somewhat composed.
"...Seol-ah unnie's taken, so I just gotta woo Seo-yeon unnie?"
"Oh my."
Sia liked pretty people, so the line came naturally. Seo-yeon looked pleased too.
Knowing it was a joke, Yoo Seol-ah corrected gently.
"Sadly, she has someone she likes."
"Who?"
"The last guy in our club."
Baek Sia tilted her head, then frowned in disbelief.
"But why? If you said 'he's mine,' wouldn't he fold? Unnie's gorgeous."
"...Not that easy."
"Doesn't know your identity?"
"He does."
One of the few who knew with us.
Baek Sia's brain dove deeper into the maze.
"...Wait, he knows and still...? What kinda guy is he...?"
Ex-hero. Weakest combat in our party but a flawless brainiac. Here, a genius dev who dropped a hit game in high school. Our party's most mature, still veiled in mystery.
But we answered in unison, as if scripted.
"Our club president."