Pretty Noona Treats Me to Dinner (3)
I wasn't much of a talker during meals myself, but apparently Ji-ah noona wasn't either. Once the food arrived, we concentrated on eating and tucked in relatively quietly. Ji-ah noona, who'd claimed she handled spice well, clearly loved the flavors and devoured it with real gusto. It was such satisfying mukbang that even watching lifted my spirits.
In contrast, spice-wimp me started off strong but got hit by the delayed burn, huffing and puffing until I finally grabbed a Coolpis from the restaurant fridge and chugged it down. The sweet, smooth—but totally artificial—peach flavor soothed my numb tongue. Coolpis is the absolute best for spice.
"Too spicy? Want me to order something milder?"
"This is why we eat spicy food. Though today it feels extra fiery."
It hadn't been this intense last time. Still, the delicious heat kept drawing my hand back despite the panting. Man~ this place's whole chicken is killer.
We finished our hearty meal, and as promised, Ji-ah noona footed the bill. She'd looked so content while eating, but after pocketing her card post-payment, her mood soured a bit as we stepped out. She glanced around hesitantly, like something was gnawing at her. But she quickly straightened up, composed her expression, and struck a pose oozing older-sister poise.
"Jae-hyun, it was really delicious today."
"Glad you enjoyed it. I was worried it might not suit your taste."
"Pfft. No way. It was totally my style."
Good to hear. She softened into a smile, mirroring my own grin.
"Shall we head back? Any longer and we'll melt."
"Huh? Oh... yeah. We should."
Even a dullard like me could read the room. She was super reluctant to call it quits. Her words trailed off more than usual, and her steps beside me dragged like she was forcing herself along.
I had to clamp my lips tight to stifle the laughter bubbling up. Seven years my senior. A glamorous beauty straight out of a luxury car ad. Why does she act so adorably pathetic?
"Huh? Jae-hyun, this isn't the way we came, right?"
Translation: You said we were going home—why this random path?
She caught on quick. Heh.
"It's a rare chance, so let's hang out more."
"Huh? You said home earlier..."
"Obviously kidding. You looked cute all mopey."
"C-Cute...?"
Even as flattery, it wasn't far off her vibe. Sure, her looks were killer, but her actions and that occasional aura? Straight-up cute.
"Found a nice book cafe nearby. Let's go. You got dinner—I'll cover coffee."
"No, it's fine. I'll get the coffee too."
"Hey. Keeps feeling like I'm freeloading, and it bugs me. Come on~ let's move!"
I don't wanna huff and puff over scorching asphalt!
She pretended to resist when I grabbed her wrist and tugged, but followed along. We hopped a bus from the stop, rode a few stations, and arrived at Page Turner book cafe.
"Tons of book variety here. Recliners and sofas for comfy long stays. Even little private rooms like a comic bang—should be fun, right?"
"You looked this up on purpose?"
"Impressed?"
"...Yeah. Totally."
Her reaction was way more earnest than expected—those serious, resolute eyes threw me for a sec. But hey, means I nailed her tastes. Time to enjoy.
"Then till dinner, we read, cool off, head home. Or grab dinner too."
"R-Really?"
"But you pick the dinner menu?"
Her face lit up as she nodded vigorously, then slyly tried slipping her card forward for entry.
Hey! Nice try with the switcheroo. I swiftly blocked her card and shot her a playful glare.
"Tsk~ no fair? I said I'd pay here."
"Nooo—you went out of your way to find this place for me, so obviously I pay. And Jae-hyun, these things? Women cover 'em!"
"Where's that rule? We're just having fun together!"
In exchange for you picking dinner, remember?
She chewed her lip, then chuckled and pulled back her arm.
"You're impossible."
"Hear that plenty. Hehe. Sorry, we'll pay with this."
"Ah, sure. Entry includes a free drink each. What'll you have?"
The counter girl eyed Ji-ah noona with pure envy—like she might keel over from it. Noona noticed, puffing up ever so slightly, shoulders tensing with pride.
Makes sense. In this world, men's default setting is trash personality. And the handsomer, the worse. Bet that clerk's thinking, 'Handsome guy acting all gentlemanly and cute? Brutal jealousy.'
"I'll carry this."
I let out a soft chuckle as she snatched the drink tray.
"Noona, didn't you say you're the youngest of three sisters? Usually the baby gets spoiled, but you? Doesn't seem like it."
Weekdays were 10,000 won all-day access, but weekends like today were time-limited—and crowded enough to justify it. The place hummed quietly with people: some deep in books, others savoring the hush, the papery scent, the soft page-turns.
"Nice vibe. Cute interior too."
"Right? Oh—empty spot over there. Let's grab it."
A small round table flanked by side tables, with two single recliner sofas. Noona strode over on those long legs and claimed it quick. Ooh, that was straight model walk—cool!
Seat secured, we browsed the shelves and picked out reads. Surprisingly diverse genres—practically a mini-library. She grabbed a mystery; I went for light romance.
"Hmm. Romance novels your thing?"
"Nah. Just like easy, breezy genres. Gotta read stuff like this sometimes to spark some love cells, y'know?"
I grimaced wryly, reclining the sofa comfy.
"Pfft! What even?"
"Don't laugh. Half-serious. Blame my love cells for the wrong owner."
I shrugged theatrically; she looked baffled, then snickered.
Soon we dove into our books. Kinda weird for a duo outing, but I dug the serene silence settling in. No awkwardness, no fidgeting over the other person. Felt like... we're pretty close now?
We'd sneak peeks now and then; eye contact meant a shared silent chuckle before burying back in. Dunno why it felt so comfy and fun, but it did.
Books were solid. Vibe perfect.
We lingered past the prepaid two hours.
"Noona, that book any good?"
"Decent enough. You into mysteries?"
"Not picky unless it's horror or super heavy. Anything not too deep, I devour."
Basically an omnivore mutt. She giggled.
"You know, Jae-hyun, you say the funniest, most offbeat stuff sometimes."
"Huh? Really?"
Hmm, didn't notice. But she insisted, chuckling away.
"You? How was the romance?"
"Surprisingly fun. Total pure-love king! Fresh, fluttery, entertaining."
"Yeah? I'll check it out next."
She snapped a phone pic of the cover. Ooh, then I'll try her mystery? She said it wasn't too dark, so I shot the title too.
"Next... wanna hit a bookstore together? When you're free!"
She gazed thoughtfully, then mustered courage for the 'next date' pitch.
After-party booking, huh.
"Mm... sure!"
And my answer? A resounding yes.