Chapter 10: Getting a Little Closer (2) -1-
I grab the items Seo Ji-ah ordered and head back to the table. The usual iced Americano and a single chocolate chip cookie. Didn't she just say she couldn't eat lunch properly?
"Huh? Something bothering you?"
I must have frowned without realizing it. Hmm. We exchanged names just yesterday—is this too nosy? No, we said let's get along as neighbor cousins from now on. This much should be fine, right? I've never been close to the opposite sex in my past life or this one, so I have no clue about the right distance. And with Ji-ah noona being such a stunning beauty, I'm extra on edge—my brain feels a little overloaded.
...No, this isn't my past life. This is the reverse world. Don't chicken out, Yoon Jae-hyun.
"You said you skipped lunch properly. Coffee on an empty stomach isn't good for you."
"Huh? A-are you... worrying about me?"
Do I come off that heartless? No way. Wasn't I being super nice? Ji-ah noona looks shocked, like she heard something totally unexpected, but there's a hint of excitement too. It's not the reaction I anticipated, so I tilt my head and nod honestly.
"Well... yeah, I'm worried?"
This level of concern has to be okay. We exchanged names and everything. Neighbors said we'd get along great.
As I hesitate and gauge her reaction, Ji-ah noona lets out a soft chuckle.
"Thanks for worrying. It's been forever since anyone did."
"Really?"
"Yeah. My family's all grown-up mode—they nag more than worry. Haha."
From my perspective, it sounds a bit like a full-belly gripe. Of course, she has no idea about my situation, so it doesn't offend me. It just makes me miss my late mom—my only family—a little, leaving a bitter taste.
"They're family, so of course they worry. Here, at least try this?"
"You sure that's okay?"
"The cafe owner gave it for new menu feedback. Might as well get someone else's opinion too."
Perfect excuse. She's hesitating apologetically, so I hop up, grab an extra fork and spoon, and set them in front of her. Finally, she gives in and picks up a piece of rice roll, popping it into her mouth. She chews for a bit, then her eyes go wide.
......What is it with this noona? Why's she hitting me with gap moe so hard today?
"This is really good? What is this?"
"Right?! Kinda like kimbap but funky-looking—super tasty though."
"The rice paper on the outside is killer. Egg and cheese are so savory, ham's perfectly salty, and the veggies balance it without any greasiness."
Her taste breakdown matches mine pretty much spot-on. She sneaks a glance at me, then grabs another piece. I can't help but laugh out loud, and her face flushes bright red in an instant.
"Ah, no! It was just so good, I forgot myself. Sorry."
"Puhuhu. No worries. Here, try the salad too. The dressing's super tangy."
The subtle yuzu aroma and sweet-tart flavor are spot-on. Personally, I don't get avocado. They say ripe ones are nutty and creamy, like boiled potatoes, egg yolks, or butter—but beyond the soft texture, I'm lost.
Anyway, the salad's perfect for me minus the avocado.
"Avocado's nice and ripe. Tasty."
"Noona likes avocado?"
"Not love it or anything. Why? You hate it?"
"I'll eat it if it's there, but I don't crave it. Can't really taste anything beyond the texture."
"Fair enough."
I slide the plate her way for easier reach. She doesn't hold back, elegantly working the fork and spoon through the food.
"Anything you can't eat or hate?"
"Me? Hmm. Spices are tough. Strong smells like cheonggukjang or hongeo—no thanks. Natto's sticky texture? Hard pass."
I prop my chin on one hand and count them off with the other. For some reason, Ji-ah noona listens with total focus.
"What about you?"
"Nothing I avoid, but too sweet's a no-go."
Oh, no picky eater. Her image and vibe don't scream picky anyway. Though if she was, it'd probably be kinda cute. Gap moe, for sure.
"Favorite foods, then?"
"Me? Meat, noodles? Hamburgers too."
"Surprising. Don't guys like pasta?"
In the reverse world, men aren't all haha-ho-ho gay stereotypes. But true to the "reverse," they show some past-life feminine traits in spots. Like saying "What're you sorry for?" or "Do I have to spell it out?"—stuff girlfriends or wives would say to guys back then. Men's soul foods like jeyuk, gukbap, donkatsu? Women prefer those here. Reverse-world guys go for pasta.
Dates are mostly on women anyway, so maybe they lean toward pricey or fancy-looking stuff. Anyway, reverse-world guys are endlessly fascinating the more you peel back the layers.
"Crave it sometimes, but not a fave. Doesn't feel like proper rice."
With that money, I'd hit up special gukbap or double jeyuk any day.
"...Seriously surprising."
"Yeah? Heard it my whole life. 'Not very manly.'"
"Totally. Jae-hyun, you're pretty special."
"Not just weird?"
First time anyone's called me special. I chuckle and brush it off lightly, but Ji-ah noona doubles down seriously.
"Oh yeah, Ji-ah noona—you said you just moved here recently?"
"Huh? Oh, right."
"Neighborhood's got killer gukbap and baekban spots. Want me to show you? Cooking solo's a hassle, right?"
Cooking's no hobby of mine. My skills are peak bachelor survival mode: market banchan for sides, occasional meal kits when I'm not lazy. Otherwise, it's baekban houses, gukbap joints, Chinese takeout, or franchise curry on repeat. Burgers or sandwiches for variety, or cafe meals like today.
"...Wanna grab a meal together sometime? I'll buy—as thanks for the restaurant tips."
She's been hesitantly poking at the last of the salad with her fork. She says it super carefully.
This isn't a date invite... right? Probably just being cautious so I don't get the wrong idea after we just got friendly.
"Not a K-promise, is it?"
"Nope."
Was she a puppy in her past life? One second she's all droopy-eyed gauging me, next she's perky when she sees I'm not mad or rejecting. If she had ears and a tail, they'd perk straight up with a pop! and wag like propellers—it's so easy to picture.
I let out a soft chuckle and nod big.
"I'd love that. Even better if you meal-buddy with me sometimes."
Then she covers the main meal, I get dessert—perfect.
"For real? Then... c-can I get your number?"
"Hand over your phone."
Does this count as getting hit on for my number? Sure, countless women have asked, but besides Lee Yoon-ju, you're the first I've given it to willingly.
Well, Yoon-ju is biologically a girl anyway.
────♬♪♩
I punch my number into Ji-ah noona's phone, hit call, confirm mine buzzes in my pocket, and hang up. First time ever saving a girl's number. Not a biological girl like Yoon-ju. Not my late mom. Not for official stuff!
Purely personal, one-on-one—it's kinda thrilling. Feels like a step forward as a guy. Lame if I say it makes me proud?
"Neighborhood friend acquired! First time ever for me!"
She chuckles along with my beaming grin, her gaze all warm like she's watching something endearingly silly. Kinda embarrassing.
"I'll text sometimes. Promise not to bug you too much."
"Psh~ Won't you get annoyed? Once we're closer, I might beg to hang out."
Not that I'd be that clueless, of course.
"Even now's fine."
"Huh? What is?"
"Texting to hang out? Totally fine. You're welcome anytime. I'm unemployed right now—got nothing but time."
Sudden fastball to the chest. Heat rushes to my face; I stammer in panic. She giggles at the sight.
"Your face is gonna explode. So shy—blushing over this."
Girls at school never left me alone; how am I this hopeless? I duck my head with a groan.
Ugh.... Twenty years old and this is straight-up childish.
"Your face just now. That smile!"
"Why? Weird expression? Or... scary?"
"No! No no! It was... p-pretty. Yeah."
Honestly, aside from idols, I've never seen a prettier girl in my life. The ones who've come at me hard? They weren't into me—just a handsome, gentle guy unlike others. Easy conquest, no drama. Poke and see: jackpot or shrug. That's the vibe.
Some might've been genuine, but even they dumped emotions without buildup. No one ever thought to spend casual time, get to know me slowly as a person. Straight-up confessions left me with nothing but "sorry."
After repeats, I figured "Even she rejected me? I'm hopeless" and they tapered off. High school got even quieter with Yoon-ju as my shield.
"Ack! Gym time—gotta bounce! Text ya, noona!"
Embarrassment wins; I bolt from my seat and flee the cafe like my life depends on it. Cheeks, ears, nape—all scorching red. I never catch Ji-ah noona's stunned expression.