Pretty Noona Treats Me to Lunch (2)
If you come at four in the afternoon, I'll start feeling happy from three o'clock on. The closer four gets, the happier I'll be. Was that the Little Prince? I think it was the fox who said something like that. And it was exactly like that.
Ever since I'd made lunch plans with Ji-ah noona, I'd turned into a kid waiting for a picnic day. It felt like a shame to just eat and part ways—maybe I could suggest going somewhere fun afterward? Time flew by as all sorts of thoughts raced through my head, but then I'd remember it wasn't Saturday yet and pout for no reason. Why am I like this? But what can you do about a mood?
"Customer, you don't seem focused on your workout today. Everything okay?"
Even my Thursday PT trainer had noticed. I must've been pretty excited. She stopped me mid-set, pointing out my sloppy form, and all I could do was grin sheepishly.
"Ah, yeah. Sorry. Got lost in thought for a second."
"Focus when you're exercising. You could get hurt."
"Got it. I'll be careful."
Ahem. Right. If I get injured working out, I won't be able to play this weekend!
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The Saturday morning I'd been looking forward to finally arrived. My eyes snapped open bright and early—way earlier than usual. The alarm I'd set just in case went to waste. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I headed to the bathroom, I could only let out a hollow chuckle at myself. Even I think this is a bit childish. I'm no different from a kid hyped for a field trip.
Anyway, I showered first thing, towel-dried my hair for now, and figured I'd style it after picking an outfit.
"Hmm. What to wear?"
Thinking back to how dressed up Ji-ah noona had been when she visited her family home last time, I knew I should put in some effort too. Not a full getup like hers, of course. But she's such a naturally stylish beauty that even a little makeup makes her stunning. I wasn't bad at fashion, but I wasn't great either, and I didn't pay much attention to it, so I agonized over it.
After rummaging through my closet forever, I finally Googled some men's coordination ideas. Thank goodness my height and build made for a great hanger—pick something decent-looking and match it as closely as possible with what I had!
In the end, I went with slim-fit black semi-wide slacks that had a nice drop, a soft beige shirt on top with a white V-neck tee underneath. Tucking the shirt tails into my pants to shape it was tricky. Next up: blow-drying my still-damp hair. I styled it neatly with pomade and locked it in with hairspray. Done! I grinned at my reflection—crisp, dapper, and satisfied.
I didn't forget to pack my backpack with the usuals: umbrella, tissues, wet wipes, disposable mouthwash, and such.
"Alright! This'll do!"
With plenty of time before our meetup, I could swing by the cafe and grab drinks to share with Ji-ah noona.
"♪~~~"
The weather was gorgeous. The forecast warned of possible showers, but it looked fine to me. Humming a tune, I stopped by the cafe first. The Cafe Owner lit up at my polished look, letting out an "Ooh!" and teasing, "Date? On a date?" She was still super invested in my love life.
"Not quite a date—just grabbing a meal."
"That's what a date is, you dummy."
"Nah~"
I ordered two tomato juices. Coffee or milk on an empty stomach might upset it. Lately, this summer special—sparkling soda instead of plain water, with just the right fizz and sweetness—had been my go-to. Considering Ji-ah noona wasn't big on sweets, I swapped the soda for carbonated water in one and skipped the syrup, tossing in a couple stick packets instead so she could sweeten to taste. The owner chuckled, praising my thoughtfulness and sense. "Ho ho."
"I'll head out now. Take care!"
No matter how I saw it, I was the ordinary one here. But in this flipped world, that somehow made me look like some ultimate gentleman or angel guy. Swallowing a wry smile, I grabbed the to-go drinks and headed to our meeting spot at the bus stop. The timing from the cafe detour should be just right—maybe even a tad early.
"Hey? Jae-hyun!"
Ji-ah noona had beaten me there, waiting at the stop. Huh? I'd arrived ten minutes early—how long had she been here?
"Noona! Good morning."
"Mm. But that... did you bring it just for me?"
"It's hot even in the morning. You don't like super sweet stuff, so I brought syrup sticks separate."
"Ah. Thanks. Now I feel bad."
"It's just drinks."
Her outfit, though... it kinda matched mine, like a couple's look! Slim-fit slacks with a light cream blouse, low-heeled shoes, a slim bracelet-watch, a black choker hugging her elegant deer-like neckline—it all screamed mature and classy.
"Noona."
"Yeah?"
"Any plans after we meet up today?"
"Huh? No. Why?"
She took a sip of the tomato juice I'd handed her, then tore open one of the syrup sticks and stirred it in.
"Nothing. You're just so pretty today. I thought maybe you had family stuff like last time."
I grinned awkwardly, chewing on the straw. Hmm. Saying it out loud feels off somehow.
"...No. Nothing but meeting you today."
She answered a beat late, looking a bit dazed. Then, like red paint dissolving in water, a blush spread across her pale cheeks.
Yes, sorry! That came out cheesy!
I mentally facepalmed and desperately avoided her gaze.
"You're looking sharp today too. Working out suits you—your shoulders seem broader."
"Really? Hehe. Worth the effort."
Workouts still wiped me out, but not like the near-death zombie days anymore. I'd adjusted intensity after that cold, and months of consistency had built up my stamina.
"Lately, I've been thinking about abs~ Getting ambitious."
"A-abs?"
"Yeah."
Suck in and tense, and faint outlines tease at showing. PT trainer said trimming more fat and building muscle would reveal sharp six-pack. What guy wouldn't get hooked hearing that?
"Gulp. R-right. Abs... your abs..."
She smiled, but it wasn't her usual one—tensed, eyes smoldering a bit. Was abs talk too much? This flipped world's limits were hard to gauge sometimes.
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Our bus arrived soon enough. Weekend morning, so not too crowded, but no empty seats. Probably because I was the only guy aboard—passengers kept sneaking glances. Not unpleasant, so whatever.
"Young man, take this seat."
"No thanks. Just a few stops."
A lady in her mid-40s insisted anyway, with a dandy smile. Crowded bus, bumpy ride—hard on a guy standing, she said. In this world, it was standard courtesy, but it felt awkward to me. Still, refusing forever was rude, so I sat.
"Thank you."
"Oh, it's nothing."
I gave a slight nod and smile; she beamed contentedly. Ji-ah noona watched with a pleased expression, leaving me oddly embarrassed. Is basic manners really that praiseworthy? ...Well, yeah, for a guy here. Flipped world's default male personality was just that dismal.
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Today's spot was a legit neighborhood gem, hidden away. The facade screamed old-school eatery—worn but charming with history. Current owner was second-gen; her daughter, the future third-gen, helped out and learned the ropes.
"You come to places like this too, Jae-hyun?"
"That surprising?"
"Kinda. But it fits you."
In other words: surprising for a flipped-world guy to have such feminine tastes, but my behavior so far made sense of it. I grinned and gently tugged her hand.
"Let's head in. Hot out here."
"Huh? Uh, yeah."
This noona... maybe purer than me in some ways. Flustered over a wrist grab? Giggling, I slid open the door.
Inside: mostly middle-aged women. Menu and vibe suited grown-ups. We young folks—especially with a tall guy—drew instant eyes. A nosy elder, face flushed from early weekend booze, cackled that guys hate spots like this.
"Oh? Handsome young man, been a while!"
"Owner! Hello."
The gray-streaked elder owner spotted me right away. Who else was a young guy patron here? Unforgettable.
"Ooh? With your girlfriend! You two look great together."
"Ahem. N-not like that."
"Ahem."
Instead of denying, Ji-ah noona coughed awkwardly and looked away; I grinned and brushed it off. Come to think of it, even in my past life, adults always paired up any guy-girl duo. Same everywhere.
"Noona, spicy okay?"
"Yeah. I like spicy."
"Owner! One whole chicken spicy soup, please."
"Sure thing. Pick a noodle side—on the house."
Who turns down freebies? It came with glass noodles base, but I love 'em, so I added more.
"You like spicy too, Jae-hyun?"
"Sometimes when I crave it. Can't handle too much—spice wimp. You?"
"I'm good with it. Love spicy when stressed."
"I get that. I do it too sometimes, but regret it with stomachache next day."
Chatting stream-of-consciousness while waiting, our order arrived: wok straight from kitchen with whole chicken, veggies, glass noodles bubbling in broth. Transferred to table burner, it boiled vigorously right away.
"Whoa~ Looks delicious."
The aroma alone had Ji-ah noona licking her lips in anticipation.