Chapter 182
"Can I kiss you?"
"Is everyone's house close by?"
"I'm just gonna grab a taxi."
"I drove here—want a ride, oppa?"
"Sure, thanks."
"Seo-yeon already has a car... oh, right. Is it something crazy like a Lamborghini?"
"Nah, just a cheap Maserati."
"......"
I could see Lee Seo-yeon putting in her best effort, and Yuna unnie's stunned reaction was pretty hilarious, but right now, all my focus was on this pillow.
...Should I just carry it around like this?
Thankfully, the design was a bit different from what I remembered—no garish pink coating the entire "yes" side or anything. It was a sleek black with just the central text and tiny hearts accented in deep pink. The material felt high-quality too, not some cheap knockoff... I love super soft pillows, so I was grateful, but lugging something like this around was still embarrassing. Even without the yes/no gimmick, walking around hugging a pillow just looks weird, right...?
"Unnie, got a bag or something?"
"Want me to grab one? It's not wrapping paper quality, though. That okay?"
"Yeah, thanks."
Luckily, she had a big one. I took the oversized bag from another brand out of her drawer and stuffed the pillow inside right away.
"Whatcha get?"
"...J-just a cushion or whatever..."
I'd have to show Sion later at home anyway, but explaining this pillow felt too mortifying, so I put it off.
"I've added you to our club group chat. We'll ping everyone on club days, so swing by whenever. Oh, and you don't have to talk shop—we ramble about random crap way more anyway."
"...Yeah, I'll think about some ideas."
Yuna unnie joining us would be a huge boost. Not just as a story writer, but her hardcore mobile gamer insights would be gold.
We all headed out of the building and said our final goodbyes on the main street.
"See ya~ Use that thing well, Seol-ah!"
"......"
Use it well? What the hell does that mean...!
But since only I knew the pillow's true nature, no one batted an eye. Telling someone to "use their cushion well" isn't weird on its own.
Baek Sion eyed the bulky bag curiously, clearly wondering what amazing cushion it could be. I had to avert my gaze. With the pillow inside screaming that vibe, plus the earlier soulmate sex talk, being alone with him again made eye contact impossible...
"Wanna hit somewhere else first?"
"...Huh?"
It was just past 11 p.m., but Sion didn't seem ready to head home.
"It's been ages since our last real date. Tonight was fun, but we weren't exactly alone."
"Oh, r-right... Date..."
Date...
Hanging out boisterously with everyone was a blast, but we'd spent more time than expected, so the pure couple vibe had faded a bit.
...Reminding me like that cranked the difficulty of even looking at him back up. He wasn't usually this forward, so I wasn't used to it, but damn, it made me happy. No reason to kill the mood by suggesting we go home.
I pulled out my original date plan.
"...Mind if we check out the walkway here? I've been curious."
It was a shopping mall, but not your boxy box—low buildings stretched out with fancy exterior design, and the rooftop had a long park perfect for strolls. Open even at night since it wasn't indoor space. Honestly, just walking side-by-side with Sion would've been enough, no activities needed.
"Let's go. Stairs up, right?"
"Yeah."
We found the walkway entrance after some fumbling and climbed up. I had to pause, taking in the view.
...It's gorgeous.
Slightly elevated with no tall buildings around, the open night skyline grabbed you. Even Sion's mouth hung open a little.
Since we're on a date anyway, a little greed's fine, right?
I spoke carefully.
"Can I... hold your hand?"
...My face is probably beet red—no mirror needed.
We tangled bodies daily, so getting shy over this might seem odd, but we'd barely dated despite all the bed-rolling...
Sion chuckled instead of answering.
"...Why're you laughing...!"
"Nothing."
He held out his hand. I took it slowly with my free one—not holding the bag.
...Warm.
His body heat spread just across my palm, but the happiness flooded my whole body. If hand-holding does this, am I really addicted to Sion?
A smile kept slipping out, so I hid my face against his shoulder and hooked my arm through his.
"...Wasn't it hand-holding?"
"Got a problem?"
"...No."
Way more skin contact now—I couldn't contain the emotions bubbling up inside.
"Hee."
I buried my head on his shoulder, giggling uncontrollably. Even that stunning nightscape faded from view. Sion's totally stolen my heart.
I turned slightly, poking his chest.
"Can I kiss you?"
Nice one, Seol-ah. Eye contact this time.
Super embarrassing... but I wanted to say it facing him.
Sion smiled faintly, leaning down. I rose on tiptoes slowly.
"Can I shower first?"
"Yeah. Take your time."
Back home, I bolted for permission and ducked into the dressing room. Door shut, I unleashed a silent scream.
Seol-ah, what the hell was that?
Drunk on night air and the word "date," I'd spilled embarrassingly bold words and moves like breathing. But letting go of his arm inside snapped me awake—my lines replayed, shattering my sanity.
Spring chill plus AC, yet heat wouldn't fade. I stripped fast, cranked cold water in the shower.
Only ice water'll fix this...
"Ughhh..."
Zombie-like under the cold spray, mirror showed it. Anyone'd think I'm nuts, but clearing this pink fog in my head was survival—or I'd be out of it till tomorrow.
...Cold shower worked, somewhat. Calmer in pajamas. Until opening the door.
"What?"
"...N-nothing... Hurry up and shower."
No rush needed. Eye contact reverted me instantly—I shoved him into the dressing room.
He fluttered away at my nudge, question marks all over despite his strength.
So strong, yet he goes along with a light pull? Too cute!
No, Seol-ah. Stop thinking.
To regain composure, I dried my hair quick and started unpacking. First, the cat doll from Sion. Then Yuna unnie's yes/no pillow.
...Unpacking ain't helping my head at all...?
Unnie said I'd need this pillow... Inspecting closer, the NO side—unlike YES—had little ZZ sleep marks.
"...This is insane."
Brain-fried state plus earlier sex wall talk meant no interest in YES. Imagining him pouncing even on NO...
"...Seol-ah, please..."
I'm such a perv. And how do I even tell him...?
But thoughts won't obey words.
"That's what you got earlier?"
"Eek!..."
Clutching the pillow under the covers, Sion's voice from the dressing room—showered already?
I yelped, hiding it behind my back. Couldn't face his damp-faced gaze, scooted further.
"Why hide it?"
"W-wait..."
But he hopped on the bed, snatching it from my hands. Staring blankly at him, he alternated looks between me and the pillow.
"...You sew too—wanna mod it?"
He clocked it instantly. What's he mean...?
"Make both sides YES, right?"
"What kinda bullshit is that...!"
I rarely swear, even mildly, but his blatant smirk broke me. Like I only think about sex 24/7? Not even close!
"What do you take me for? Gimme it now...!"
I yanked it back, slamming it NO-up on the bed.
Pre-departure satisfaction today—I glared at him.
"Touch it on NO and you're dead. For real."
"......"
"What's with those eyes, seriously...!"
His ambiguous face pissed me off more. Heart already chaos—sex wall aside, it'd mess me up multiple ways now.
At least tonight's NO is sincere.
"You're out of battery today anyway...! Just sleep nice and quiet."
Considerate since he's tired too, but he took it wrong.
Sudden silence, drying hair while eyeing his fingertips. Even filed nails sans clipper—killing intent up?
"...Wh-what're you doing...?"
"Hm? Nail care."
"Why the hell now..."
"Better trimmed. For piano too."
Piano for 'do'—what's the rest...?
Warning bells rang—I yanked the blanket to cover up.
Did I poke his male pride...?