Namsan Date: A Success? -1-
A decent mid-size domestic sedan. I don't know the exact model. I just asked Manager Kim to get me something reasonably priced that wouldn't stand out too much.... Not that I'm particularly interested in makes or brands anyway.
It's the peak of midsummer heat right now. I didn't want to make Jae-hyun suffer in this sweltering weather when he's already worn out from that crazy stalker. More than anything, taking public transport might lead to some weird woman latching onto him again in some odd place.
"The city's really backed up, huh. Even on a weekday."
"Yeah. But the restaurant's just ahead."
It's a strange feeling. This isn't my first time driving, nor the first time I've had someone in the passenger seat. So why does it feel this way? Jae-hyun sitting next to me suddenly makes me hyper-aware of him, and I'm driving extra cautiously for no reason. Seeing him relax and chat in the car I'm driving fills me with this inexplicable satisfaction and pride.
"Hmm. Looks like we'll have to walk a bit."
"No choice. It's not even peak meal time, but with all these customers, it must be the real deal. Right?"
The restaurant's lot was full, so we parked in the nearest available spot. The late afternoon sun had scorched the asphalt, and the humid summer air hit us like a wave of discomfort. Even Jae-hyun flinched and grimaced for a second.
"Ugh, it's hot."
"Tell me about it. Extra humid today. They said rain tonight—maybe that's why."
I could see Jae-hyun melting in real time under the sticky heat. It was pitiful, but on the flip side, so damn cute that I couldn't help smirking. Luckily, the lot wasn't far, and the waitlist was short, so we got inside quickly.
"Whoa, super limited menu? Places like this are always the legit spots. Hmm."
"Yeah. What're you getting, Jae-hyun?"
Jae-hyun set the tableware while I poured water into our cups. Most guys wouldn't lift a finger for this stuff—or even like coming to places like it—but thinking about how he won't budge makes me appreciate it. These little things reveal his thoughtfulness and diligence.
"Hmm.... Jumbo pork cutlet and cold noodles for me."
I smiled faintly at him staring intently at the sparse menu on the wall, pondering so seriously. At the same time, it hit me how young he really is—making the age gap feel all too real for no reason. Does he even see me as a proper woman?
"Noona? You okay?"
The young guy deep in pork cutlet deliberations suddenly looked dependable, asking with concern. Ah. Right. That's Yoon Jae-hyun for you. Innocent and bright like any twenty-year-old, yet unusually calm and mature too. Gap moe, if that's a thing.
"Oh, no, I'm fine. Hmm. Cheese pork cutlet for me, then. Want a soda too?"
Jae-hyun nodded eagerly. With call bells on each table, ordering was a breeze. The food came out faster than expected. Jae-hyun let out an "ooh, whoa~" of surprised admiration at the massive cutlet size and flipped it over.
"Huh? Why flip it?"
"This way, the sauce doesn't soak the top, so you get to enjoy the crispiness! Pro eating tip. Heh~"
So proud over something so small—adorably pathetic. We shared bites from each other's plates. It was tastier than expected, a satisfying meal.
"Let me help with the bill."
I handed Jae-hyun a mint from the counter's after-meal candy bowl. Tastes cheap. But that's the charm of spots like this. The cashier seemed a bit surprised when Jae-hyun pulled out his card instead of me. And Jae-hyun.... looked immensely satisfied. What's that about?
"What? Why the grin?"
"Back in the day, you'd have fought me like, 'A girl should pay for this!' Even though I said I'd cover it."
True. But Jae-hyun doesn't like that bickering anyway. And since we're not just hanging out once or twice, I've gotten pretty used to Dutch pay myself. He seemed thrilled about that.
"Feels good that you're getting comfortable with me, noona. Heck yeah! Mood's right—coffee's on me too."
Doesn't anyone think that way? I've met all sorts growing up as a chaebol heiress, but a guy like you is a first for me too. Wait, is him being this happy about me getting used to him really that big a deal? I always notice it, but his oblivious slyness and charm are.... seriously bad for my heart. Though that's part of what I like! Yeah!
Anyway, the excited Jae-hyun grabbed my wrist and led the way to the lot. He was melting fast in the heat, though.
"Should've come ahead and pulled the car around. You really don't handle heat well."
"That's why I try to go full hikikomori every summer."
He said he never left the house during school breaks. Easy to picture, and it made me laugh.
"No summer trips then?"
"Mom and I went every year when I was little. Loved water play. But as I got older, we stopped."
"Why?"
"Random girls and noonas swarmed me. One time, there was an incident? After that, Mom hated going, and so did I."
The word "incident" made my brows shoot up.
"Hurt bad?"
"Nah, just swallowed some water. Can't swim—beer bottle body, y'know. Girls were competing or whatever, flipped my tube. Pool wasn't deep, no big deal, but we never went back."
If we ever do water stuff, it'll have to be private. Duh. He was cute and lovable as a kid, but now.... yeah. Total "man." Resort trips with him might be risky.
"What about you, noona?"
"Went everywhere every year. With family, friends, or solo sometimes."
We circled for a spot, then decided on drive-thru pickup instead. Not bad. Chatting alone in the car? Yeah. Perfect. His fresh, crisp scent mingling in the air—pervy to say it, but nice.
-3-
Hanging with Ji-ah noona was always comfy and fun, but adding that romantic thrill changed the air entirely.
Little gestures, casual words, minor actions—stuff I'd brush off before now hit fresh, making my heart race and flutter helplessly. Wild how that works.
We sipped drive-thru drinks and desserts in the cozy car, chatting away. Kinda pervy, but trapped in this sealed space with her, our scents mix inevitably. Car freshener, her perfume? Body scent? Plus mine—stimulating, in a weird way.
Still, time with Ji-ah noona felt relaxed and joyful. Thrilling, tense, a bit stimulating at times. Or maybe that's why it's better?
"Ooh, pretty high up."
"Scared?"
"Nah, just surprised. Taller than I thought."
After car time, we took the cable car. The open vista from up high was killer. Not too crowded either—nice.
"Hmm. Noona, photo?"
"Photo?"
"Yeah. Photo."
Suddenly wanted to capture this. Ji-ah noona tilted her head at my random pitch, then smiled and nodded. Never seen her turn down my suggestions. Too nice?
"Let's do it?"
Selfie mode, arm stretched. Good thing I'm tall. Slight raise got a solid angle—satisfying. We pressed close, shoulders touching. That tiny warmth pounded my heart hot. Phone screen didn't show me blushing, but embarrassment made my smile awkward.
"Send me one too."
"Of course."
Her sparkling joy melted my shyness; I grinned too. Envious, curious stares around us? Ignored. Probably same for her.
-4-
We checked out the octagonal pavilion from some variety show. Shaded ice cream break, sighs of relief. An elderly passerby chuckled, saying we were in our prime, rambling on. We weren't annoyed—just shyly exchanging awkward smiles.
Namsan Tower had a restaurant, so we hit it for AC, views, and dinner.
"Oh? Restaurant here too."
"Dinner here then?"
"Sure?"
"Yeah. Observation deck too? No acrophobia, right?"
Our quiet laughs never stopped. Always been like this, but since realizing I like her, every glimpse fuels hope. Maybe she.... feels the same? Or heading that way? Wishful thinking, sure. Haven't made a move, so probably just enjoys time with her fun dongsaeng. Don't wanna rush and ruin it—would crush me.
To calm the impatience, I swung my hand near hers, matching steps. Joking about spotting home or the cafe from the deck, laughing, then souvenir shop detour. No plans to buy—just browsing what caught the eye.
"Ah, cute."
"Bookmark? Want one?"
"Then I'll get yours?"
"Pfft. Deal?"
We grabbed matching Namsan Tower bookmarks in different colors. That led to eyeing more. Glass photo desk clock with night view pics looked nice—maybe?
"Jae-hyun, this or that—which better?"
Ji-ah noona eyed mugs. One with cutesy double-sided Tower illustrations, the other sticker-style Tower images.
"Hmm.... This one!"
I picked the sticker mug—cuter. Double-sided felt simpler.
"Yeah? Then.... want one too, Jae-hyun?"
She shyly smiled, handing me a matching one. My heart thudded like it dropped. This the heart-flutter thing? Cough! I nodded big.
Couple mugs.... too obvious?