Chapter 68
Chapter 68
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Offline Meetup #3
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Something about today made the day feel endlessly long.
I wasn't sure if it was because I'd been so active since morning or because I'd crammed every moment full, but either way.
I carefully folded my changed-out cosplay outfit and packed it back into the suitcase, restoring it to its original state.
With the now considerably heavier suitcase in hand, I stepped out of the changing room.
I considered heading back to the shop, but the staff room door was open, so I peeked inside and saw the club president already changed into her street clothes, waiting for me.
Earlier, she'd been late because she was fixing her hair, but now she'd just swapped outfits, so she'd finished quicker.
Seeing her in casual clothes with her hair still styled gave off a whole new vibe.
They say hairstyles are part of fashion for a reason.
Even I look totally different just from putting on a wig.
Looking at her now, it finally clicked.
"Aren't you going to let your hair down?"
"Huh? D-does it look weird?"
"No. Just curious. It looks fine."
"...Phew, good."
The president let out a relieved sigh, stroking her chest.
I stood in front of her as she got up, and we left the staff room.
......Normally, I'd be the one following behind others, but after those few hours of practice, I naturally positioned her behind me as we walked.
"Your back view feels kinda familiar now, underclassman."
"Having you behind me doesn't feel awkward anymore either."
The Spartan crash course must've actually worked.
Feeling even a little growth made me think it hadn't been a waste, lifting my mood.
Back at the shop, everyone was already seated around the table, all set up.
I tucked the suitcase away in a corner where it wouldn't be in the way and returned to my seat.
I asked Yuseol, who'd sat next to me, about the lunch order.
"What'd you get?"
"Sushi. That cool?"
"Yeah. I like sushi."
Sushi, huh. Nice choice.
Not too heavy, tasty too. Solid pick.
...Though this pub looks more like a spot for pizza or chicken.
While waiting for delivery, Jenna stood up and headed to the counter as we chatted.
"...Should I whip up something tasty without alcohol?"
She caught my gaze and looked my way.
Non-alcoholic cocktail, maybe.
Intrigued, I nodded and ordered one.
Watching Jenna's deft hands at work, soon a shimmering blue drink was finished and divided into several glasses.
"Here. Kids' version Blue Hawaii."
First time seeing a cocktail made live, and her movements were so fluid and mesmerizing.
No wonder people watch bartenders at bars.
I took a sip of the non-alcoholic Blue Hawaii from Jenna.
"...Wow."
Yuseol, sipping hers beside me, let out an exclamation.
I didn't voice it, but I felt the same.
It was leagues beyond any canned version I'd tried—layers of flavor everywhere.
Impressive. Gotta be this level to run a pub smack in central Seoul at her age.
If I ever get the chance as an adult, I'd love to drop by. And since I have her number, she won't ghost me.
"How's the taste?"
Jenna asked, her expression brimming with 'It's gotta be delicious' confidence.
Of course, it was thumb-up worthy.
"I'll come for a real drink when I'm older."
"Oh? You're welcome anytime for that."
Though that's a solid three years away.
Moments later, the sushi delivery arrived, and I gasped.
The sushi, neatly arranged in a lunchbox wrapped in elegant cloth, looked anything but ordinary.
This wasn't your standard platter sushi.
It was that high-end stuff you only see online.
...In Seoul?
"There's a sushi place nearby where the chef's an otaku too, so we're tight. We even hit up Japan together sometimes."
Apparently, she's buddies with a chef from a fancy Japanese spot, hence the delivery.
Enviable connections.
Thanks to that, the gourmet sushi was melt-in-your-mouth heaven.
Hard day's work paid off in luxury.
Stuff like this ruins you for regular sushi forever.
I mentally thanked the nameless chef and devoured it.
While others chatted over bites, I savored each piece like a foodie.
Finishing with the soda-like drink Jenna made, I couldn't be happier.
Lying on a ten-million-won bed right now might send me straight to blissed-out nirvana.
If only I could crash immediately.
"Alright, bellies full. Time for afternoon training?"
......
Dreams stay dreams because they can't come true...
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Sit facing each other here."
"U-um. Do we really need to do this?"
"I agree..."
"Hey! It's essential. Huge difference between trying and skipping."
Saying it with that grin kills the credibility.
The stares from everyone surrounding us stung.
This wasn't some TV variety show or blind date...
In the end, we sat, and the shop's menu board blocked our view.
The glossy-coated menu showed cocktail prices.
Even as an adult with a real job, I'll come.
No, focus. Not the point.
"What's this...?"
"Okay! When I remove this, lock eyes for ten seconds. Got it!"
Yumi's playful voice rang out.
Under the menu shield, I glimpsed the president's hand clenched into a fist on her lap.
Seeing her tense made me tense up too...
I swallowed hard.
Calm down. Calm.
Just training for the cosplay couple concept.
Showing fluster or embarrassment here just entertains the audience.
"One. Two. Three!"
I snapped my eyes open, staring straight ahead.
There was the president, hand over her mouth, eyes darting, unsure where to look.
Her wavering gaze met mine, and we held eye contact, breaths held.
"......"
"......"
She always wore that confident smile.
This flustered look was rare. First time, maybe.
And though I see her almost daily outside weekends, I'd never stared this intently.
My reflection in her pitch-black eyes felt so awkward.
Her flawless, beautiful face stared right at me.
Then the menu dropped back down.
"Heh heh. Intense. Super intense."
......Oops.
Yumi's cheeky voice snapped me out of it.
Such a rookie mistake. Got too immersed.
Well... she is pretty.
Anyone would lose it a bit up close...
Damn. Sounds like an excuse no matter what.
"Looks like no worries there?"
"Worries? It's hot. Scorching."
Jenna and Yumi's banter heated my face.
"Uwaaa! Enough already!"
The president suddenly shot up from her seat.
"Okay, okay! Heh. You two are too cute, I can't."
"Let's call it for today and have some fun?"
Jenna wrapped things up, and the president eagerly agreed.
"Yes! I-if you ever need help again, I'll come back. That's it for today!"
"Never seen Ara-ra this flustered. Got it, we're done."
Jenna stood, resetting the table as she spoke.
Finally over...
I grabbed my chair to put it back.
As we tidied, Yuseol sidled up.
"...Why'd you stare so hard?"
"......"
What to say to that...
Can't exactly say 'cause she's pretty'.
"Hmph."
I stayed silent, so Yuseol pouted and headed to the president.
Wanna go home now.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After that, we headed to karaoke to hang out.
With so many people, options were limited.
The surprise was...
The treasurer going full beast mode, belting out female-vocal anime OSTs with veins popping.
His intensity left us a bit shell-shocked...
But he hyped the vibe perfectly, so we had a blast thanks to him.
Every group's got that one.
Quiet usually, but explodes at parties.
Karaoke's prime spot for 'em.
"Whoo~ That was fun."
Big group meant we stayed forever.
The girls kept ordering snacks, owner's face blooming with smiles.
Infinite service time? Shh.
"Hee hee. Haven't done karaoke in ages, was a blast. Last time with you underclassmen, drama cut it short."
"Oh, right. That happened."
Remembered the awkward ramen with Yuseol after president bailed.
But it eased things with Yuseol after, so net positive.
At a nearby café resting our tired bodies, farewells started.
"Had a great time~ See ya. Bring fun underclassmen next time too~"
I waved to Yumi as she breezed out.
She winked and finger-gunned goodbye.
With Yumi gone, the twins, who'd been eyeing the scene, stood.
"We're off. Was fun."
"Bye."
Aroha twins slurped smoothies and left.
"Everyone's gone."
"Yeah."
Only Jenna left from the cosplay crew, popping the last cake bite.
"Let's head out. I'll walk you to the station."
Jenna stood, chewing the last of her cake.
As we exited for the station, quiet vice president raised a hand.
"Th-the bag we left behind..."
"...Oh yeah. Gotta hit the shop first."
Jenna's perfect poise slipped.
...Flawless types always have these ditzy moments.