Chapter 13
Chapter 13
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Lee Soyun #3
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After finishing our shopping, we headed to the multiplex theater.
Looking around, even in broad daylight, there were tons of people.
...To be precise, there were a lot of couples.
Couples here, couples there.
And quite a few middle and high school kids too.
"Bet some kids from our school are here."
"...So?"
"I don't mind. You okay with it?"
"Yeah."
Lee Soyun responded surprisingly straightforwardly.
I wondered why she was risking weird rumors with me if she cared about Yoon Jiu.
Maybe this was some jealousy ploy?
Lov-coms had episodes like that. Yeah, makes sense.
It felt like a convincing explanation.
As soon as we entered the building, the nutty aroma of popcorn mixed with the sweet buttery scent wafted pleasantly through the air.
First, we checked the screening times at the self-service kiosk to book tickets.
The movie she'd shown me was a hit, playing in tons of theaters, so we easily snagged the next showing.
Next, we hit the snack counter and scanned the glowing menu board.
"Popcorn, or something else?"
"Mm. Popcorn, but I don't think I can finish a whole one."
I offered a solution to her dilemma.
"Then we'll share one."
"Okay!"
I glanced back at the menu and asked again.
"What flavor?"
"Caramel!"
Classic Lee Soyun, loving the sweet stuff. I preferred caramel over original anyway, so no complaints.
"Got it. Coke to drink?"
"Zero soda for me."
"Sure."
"You?"
"Regular Coke."
Zero drinks always taste kinda bland to me.
With our order set, we lined up at the snack counter. To a stranger, we probably looked like a couple.
...Gotta grab this quick and head in. Weird school rumors would be a hassle.
Jealousy ploy or not, it'd just annoy me.
The line moved fast, and soon it was our turn.
"What can I get you?"
"Caramel popcorn..."
"Couple combo, please! Caramel popcorn, zero soda, and Coke!"
Just as I was about to order, Lee Soyun bounced forward, poked her head in, and rattled it off.
"Hey, hold on."
She elbowed me to quiet down as I tried to stop her.
"Heehee, sure thing. That's ten thousand won for the couple combo."
While I stood there stunned, she whipped out cash and paid in a flash.
"Pick it up at the next counter."
"Got it!"
I followed her to the pickup, then tapped her shoulder.
"What was that?"
"N-Nothing! I just checked, and the couple combo's way cheaper! You bought lunch, so this one's on me!"
"Oh..."
Her ears flushed bright red as she snapped back.
Fine, cheaper is better.
No point acting weird about a couple set if she's saying that.
...She's not overthinking it, right?
She wouldn't, would she?
My heart felt kinda ticklish for no reason.
Before I knew it, the awkwardness made us hold the popcorn and drinks a bit farther apart.
"Hey, Lee Soyun."
"Huh!?"
"...Jeez, why so jumpy? Gimme your bag. Need to stash this."
My hands were full with the gift bags, making it awkward.
"Oh, okay."
I took her bag, opened it up.
Carefully slipped the two wrapped gifts next to her cosmetics from earlier, tossed the paper bags.
...She didn't notice the two gifts.
"I'll carry your bag."
It was a small handbag, not heavy, but since I borrowed it, I'd hold it.
"Mm. Thanks."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The only sound was the quiet crunch of popcorn as we ate.
I couldn't stand the awkward vibe and spoke up.
"Ahem. Wanna head in and wait?"
"Y-Yeah. Let's."
Showtime was soon anyway, and sitting here would just make it weirder, so we moved.
On the escalator to the theater, we couldn't say a word.
Glance. I stole a look at her.
She looked like an adorable kid usually, but today felt a little different.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Once seated and leaning back, the tension melted away.
"Here. Dig in."
I set the popcorn tub on the armrest between us, holding the bottom so it wouldn't tip.
"...Okay."
The theater filled up, lights dimmed.
Her face, lit by the screen, was still a bit pink.
Nothing eventful during the movie.
It was solidly entertaining, with punchy action that pulled me in more than expected.
Hadn't been to a theater in ages— unplanned, but pretty satisfying.
Thank goodness.
No rom-com clichés like our hands brushing in the tub.
Not that I was hoping for it. Maybe just a tiny bit...
She stayed glued till the cookie videos, savoring the afterglow.
Most people had left by the time we stood.
"Movie was fun. Hadn't seen the first one, but stood alone fine."
"Right? I love this series."
Tough tastes for a girl.
I dumped our empty cups—hers too—and tossed the popcorn tub.
"Bathroom?"
"Nah. Let's go."
Turning on my phone from movie mode, I heard her.
"Jina."
"Yeah."
"...Let's watch another sometime."
"...Sure."
"Heehee. Promise."
We'd had popcorn and Coke, and it was too early for dinner, so we headed home.
Back from the crowded downtown to the old town, felt relaxing.
This neighborhood's the best.
Probably settle here for good.
The walk home eased the awkwardness; light school chit-chat made it pleasant.
"I'll walk you to your door."
"Thanks."
Usually we'd split at the fork, but after today's not-date, I'd escort her all the way.
It was close anyway.
"Fun day?"
I nodded at her question.
"Yeah. Lunch was good, movie too."
High praise from a homebody like me.
She beamed happily.
Soon, her house.
"Here. Your bag."
"Thanks."
"Good job walking today. See you Monday."
"No way! It was fun. Let's hang out again, just us."
"...Uh, yeah."
I took out only Lee Sea's birthday gift from the bag and handed it over with her goodbye.
As she headed in with the bag, I called out.
"Lee Soyun!"
"Huh? What's up?"
She turned, puzzled.
"Check inside the bag when you get home. ...Bought you a gift."
I left it at that and walked off.
Heard her calling back, but facing her would've been embarrassing, so I ignored it.
Home, I stretched big.
Ugh. Out on a rest day, body aches now.
Set wallet and phone on my desk, grabbed pajamas and towel.
Prefer comfy clothes at home, so shower and change quick.
Showered fast, slipped into PJs, tossed clothes in hamper, dried hair.
Room dark from blinds—got home late.
In the dimness, my phone glowed bright.
Text from Lee Soyun.
A selfie: beaming, hair up with the scrunchie I gave her, turned to show it.
Message:
[Jina!!! What's this? So pretty! Thanks♡]
......
Did she just heart me?
I stared at the message and photo forever.
Why? Dunno.
Snap out of it—hadn't replied.
[Wear it well. Suits you]
Sent the short text, saw the 1 vanish, flopped into bed.
......Skip dinner? Too lazy.
Feeling weird today.
Just wanna sleep fast.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Weekends fly by. Saturday gone shopping, Sunday naps and drawings.
Monday already.
Us gathering like always for school.
Lee Soyun had her hair up with my gift scrunchie.
Lee Sea spotted it.
"Soyun, shopping over the weekend? Haven't seen that."
"Oh, yeah! Heehee, cute, right?"
She stroked the flower charm, grinning.
"Suits you perfect. Come with me next time! Need to shop too."
"Ah... Sorry. Just passed by and grabbed it."
"Okay. Next time for sure. Oh! With Yurin and Yeonseo too."
After chatting with Lee Sea, Lee Soyun glanced my way and winked.
...Went for Lee Sea's gift, so no need to spill.
She covered smoothly for that reason, probably.