Chapter 22
Chapter 22
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Cherry Blossom Viewing #1
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Time flew by, and before I knew it, the day of Lee Sea's birthday had arrived.
Since everyone had decided to skip their morning workouts today, I was able to enjoy a leisurely morning and get ready to head out.
As I savored a relaxed slow morning for the first time in ages, my phone started buzzing.
It wasn't a call—just a glance at the group chat showed that the conversation was already buzzing along without me.
If it was something important, they'd call.
After finishing my preparations, I rolled the box containing Lee Sea's gift in my hands while lounging in the massage chair.
As the appointed time approached, I got up, brushed the wrinkles out of my clothes, and stepped out of the house.
To hide the gift box, I'd slung on a small bag I never usually wore. As I opened the door,
a clear, sunny sky greeted me, along with the faint cherry blossom scent wafting from all directions.
It was proof that full-blown spring had finally arrived.
Today was the day we were celebrating Lee Sea's birthday with some cherry blossom viewing, which made
the quiet, peaceful neighborhood scenery feel even more heartwarming in its springtime vibe, somehow stirring a sentimental mood in me.
I started walking toward downtown.
Leaving behind the serene old town, I entered the bustling heart of the city.
In the distance, I spotted a group that had captured everyone's attention.
I raised my hand in greeting, and Lee Sea, Lee Soyun, and Hong Yeonseo spotted me and waved back enthusiastically.
They were all dressed in vibrant outfits that screamed spring and perfectly suited cherry blossom viewing.
Lee Sea wore a striped tee with a solid-color skirt—clean, comfortable, and easy to move in.
Hong Yeonseo had let her usually tied-up hair down, pairing it with pants that showcased her sturdy thighs, giving her a different vibe from usual.
I silently applauded them all in my mind.
"Hey. Happy birthday, Lee Sea."
"Yeah! Thanks, heehee."
"By the way, Yoon Jiu didn't come with you?"
I'd assumed he'd come with her since they lived next door,
but after looking around and not seeing his sly face, I asked Lee Sea with a puzzled expression.
"Jiu came ahead because he had to calm Jia down."
"Jia? Yoon Jia? Why?"
"She threw a fit wanting to come along."
"Ah, I see... Hmm. Still, it might be tricky today."
Yoon Jia had naturally tagged along for our birthdays in the past, but this year, with us indebted to Seong Yurin, it felt awkward to just invite her freely.
"You came earlier than usual today?"
A voice from below drew my gaze down to Lee Soyun looking up at me.
Lee Soyun, usually so casual, was dressed in a girly one-piece dress today.
The warm tones suited the spring atmosphere perfectly.
Her petite frame made her look utterly adorable from head to toe when dressed up like this.
"Last time I made you wait, so I left the house a bit earlier today."
But no Yoon Jiu today.
I didn't voice the last part, but Lee Soyun seemed to catch on and giggled softly.
"All that early effort went to waste."
"Tell me about it."
We sat on the bench in front of the subway station, chatting idly.
We'd been waiting for Yoon Jiu, and there were about ten minutes left until the appointed time.
A long car pulled up right in front of us as we sat there.
"...Huh?"
A long car... a limousine. My reflection stared back at me from its tinted black windows.
Soon, the window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.
"...Hey."
"Seong Yurin?"
The rear door opened, and Seong Yurin beckoned us over.
"Get in, everyone."
We all stared in stunned silence for a moment before nodding and carefully climbing aboard.
"Whoa."
"No way!"
Me, Lee Sea, and Lee Soyun awkwardly took our seats, while Hong Yeonseo's eyes sparkled as she pounced toward Seong Yurin.
"Wow, Seong Yurin, I knew you weren't ordinary, but this is insane!"
"Ahem. Don't feel too pressured. Sit comfortably, everyone."
Seong Yurin cleared her throat to break the awkward air and gestured to the seats.
Unlike usual, Seong Yurin had her hair pulled into a single ponytail, wearing a white cardigan over slim-fit skinny jeans that accentuated her lines.
I'd just gotten used to seeing her nape exposed from her morning ponytail,
but encountering her in casual clothes instead of gymwear drew my eyes involuntarily.
Forcing my gaze away, I looked around. The limousine's interior felt like a cyberpunk space isolated from the outside world.
The tinted windows from outside hid blinds within, and blue lighting added a dreamy haze.
Comfortable seats too—this was prime napping territory.
Instinctively recognizing the limo as an ideal sleep spot, I turned to Seong Yurin.
"So the acquaintance was the chauffeur."
"Oh, yeah... That's right..."
"...But is it okay to call him out on a weekend like this?"
"Wh-what? I didn't just summon him like that! He usually handles things on weekends too!"
Her flustered reaction finally made me chuckle.
Yeah, this was Seong Yurin.
With the tension broken, Lee Sea and Lee Soyun grinned and started teasing her too.
Seong Yurin blushed and averted her eyes as she handed out drinks from the fridge.
"Ugh, stop teasing. Here, drink this. But where's Yoon Jiu?"
Seong Yurin passed a drink to each of us.
Sipping noisily on the chocolate drink she'd handed me, I relayed what Lee Sea had just told me.
Seong Yurin knew this was my favorite.
She nodded after hearing my explanation.
"I see... If it's Yoon Jiu's little sister, well, one or two more wouldn't be a problem."
"Next time. I already told her not to come today."
"Right. Yeah, anytime next time too..."
Seong Yurin gave a faint smile and signaled the car to depart.
The straight road between downtown and the old town meant we wouldn't cross paths with Yoon Jiu anyway.
"Whoa, doesn't even feel like the car's moving."
As Hong Yeonseo said, it really felt that way—maybe a bit exaggerated, but still.
Like floating through the air?
"Riding this makes me even more excited."
Hong Yeonseo wiggled her hips.
Even dressed up like that, her actions kill the girly vibe...
"Good thing no one's too uncomfortable. Oh, there are snacks here too—help yourselves."
Seong Yurin kept pulling out treats from her seat, clearly wanting to pamper us.
"Tasty, but don't overeat, everyone. You'll ruin your lunch appetite later."
I grabbed a stick-shaped snack and offered some advice.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ In the end, we waited in front of Yoon Jiu's house until he finally came rushing out, panting.
Yoon Jia followed behind, pouting sullenly.
"Yoon Jiu's here."
I rolled down the window to let him know to get in and to greet Yoon Jia, whom I hadn't seen in a while.
"Hey, Yoon Jiu."
"Whoa! What are you doing in a fancy ride like that?"
"Kyaa! Big brother Ijin~"
Yoon Jia charged at me like she'd never been sulky, acting all cutesy. I patted her head while responding to Yoon Jiu.
She went from feral alley cat—claws and teeth bared—to pampered house cat, purring under my hand.
"We were shocked when Seong Yurin showed up to pick us up too. Hop in."
"Oppa! Can't I come too?"
"Sorry, Jia. Not this time—next time, okay?"
I refused firmly, and she looked dejected.
"Later, I'll introduce you to my new friends. It's weird with this crowd right now, so I'll set something up separately. Once you're closer, Lee Soyun's birthday isn't far off—we can hang out then."
I persuaded her at length, which was rare for me.
She finally relented.
"Okay..."
Confirming Yoon Jiu was aboard, I waved goodbye to Yoon Jia and settled back.
"Alright, let's go."
"Phew, seriously—is Yoon Jia my sister or yours? I can't tell anymore."
Yoon Jiu looked utterly drained.
"You should've been nicer to her from the start."
Yoon Jiu and Yoon Jia had bickered like typical siblings since childhood, with me and Lee Sea mediating.
Maybe that's why she liked me so much.
"You say that 'cause you've never lived with her..."
Of course—why would I ever live with Jia?
After catching his breath, Yoon Jiu lit up at the snacks and dove in.
"Whoa, these are fancy imported treats!"
"Eat in moderation. Don't pick at your lunch later."
Despite my warning, Yoon Jiu devoured the snacks and drinks with gusto.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "We're here!"
After an hour-long drive, we arrived in the southern region.
It was a famous spot planted thick with cherry trees, hosting a cherry blossom festival around this time.
We thanked the chauffeur and stepped out to massive cherry trees, blooming blossoms, and a huge crowd welcoming us.
"So many people."
Hong Yeonseo said, looking around.
"It's the first day of the festival."
"How are we gonna find a spot to relax like this?"
At Lee Sea's worried words, Seong Yurin chimed in.
"It's fine. I already reserved a spot."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Oh, and I didn't pull any strings or anything—don't get the wrong idea."
"I didn't think that."
"Urk."
Seong Yurin's preemptively twisted expression was hilarious.
Teasing her was always fun.
Feeling eyes gathering on us, we followed Seong Yurin toward the festival grounds.